There has been a tremendous shift in recent years with the rise of patient-centric care models. These approaches dramatically reshape traditional healthcare systems by placing patients at the heart of care delivery.
For healthcare providers, understanding this transformation is essential to meet the growing demand for better outcomes, increased satisfaction, and value-driven treatment.
This article explores the impact of patient-centric care, the strategies driving its success, and the technologies paving the way for its future.
What is Patient-Centric Care?
According to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Catalyst, patient-centric care (or patient-centered healthcare) refers to healthcare models focused on understanding and addressing each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and values.
Instead of a provider-driven approach, patient-centric care ensures that individual patients play an active role in their healthcare decisions, fostering greater engagement and trust.
How can providers embrace this approach? Key elements of patient-centric care include:
- Shared Decision-making: Patients feel a sense of agency and are involved in decisions about their care.
- Care Coordination: All healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care share information and work together.
- Compassionate Communication: Build relationships through empathy and understanding.
- Personalized Care Plans: Create holistic wellness plans that consider the patient’s values, cultural background, and needs.
- Emotional Support: Care focuses on physical comfort and emotional well-being.
RELATED ARTICLE: What is Patient Engagement?
The Rise of Value-Based Care in Patient-Centric Models
With the shift toward value-based care (VBC), healthcare systems are moving away from fee-for-service models. Instead, they are rewarding providers for delivering high-quality, outcome-driven care. This transformation focuses on metrics like patient satisfaction and holistic health improvements.
For example, the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program rewards acute care hospitals with incentive payments for the quality of care provided in the inpatient hospital setting. Some outcomes of this program include:
- Eliminating or reducing adverse events (healthcare errors resulting in patient harm).
- Adopting evidence-based care standards to obtain the best outcomes for Medicare patients.
- Improving the transparency of care quality for consumers, clinicians, and others.
Value-based care aligns naturally with patient-centric care objectives, as both prioritize personalized experiences, better health outcomes, and thoughtful resource allocation.
The Role of Technology in Patient-Centric Care
Technology in patient-centric care plays a pivotal role in making these models successful. From digital health tools to advanced data analytics, the opportunities are vast.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): EHR systems centralize patients’ medical histories, enabling providers to deliver more informed and personalized care.
- Telehealth: Virtual consultations provide convenient access to medical care while keeping patients engaged in their health management.
- Patient Portals: Secure online platforms allow patients to view test results, schedule appointments, and communicate directly with providers.
- Wearable Devices: Devices tracking health metrics like heart rate, physical activity, and glucose levels empower patients while giving providers real-time data to optimize care plans.
The integration of digital health and patient engagement tools is bridging the gap between patients and their providers, creating a seamless, connected experience.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: 5 Ways to Boost Patient Engagement at Your Practice
Key Strategies for Patient Engagement and Care Coordination
One of the defining aspects of patient-centered healthcare is the focus on patient engagement methods and effective care coordination.
Below are four essential strategies for advancing patient-centric care:
1. Improved Communication
Healthcare providers must adopt proactive communication methods that keep patients informed and involved. Personalized consultations, digital communication tools, and 24/7 access to healthcare professionals foster patient trust.
For example, Updox, a communication platform that integrates with EHRs, offers a HIPAA-compliant Patient Portal. This proactive solution provides secure access to health information, appointments, and communication tools. Patients can access medical records and clinical summaries, pay bills, or contact providers anytime with concerns.
2. Shared Decision-Making
Giving patients a voice in their treatment plan helps them feel valued and empowered. By involving them in decision-making, healthcare providers can ensure care aligns with individual goals and preferences.
3. Comprehensive Care Coordination
Ensuring seamless communication between primary care doctors, specialists, and other stakeholders is critical in care coordination for patient-centric models. Leveraging technology, such as shared medical records and virtual collaboration platforms, simplifies care transitions and reduces fragmentation.
For example, Updox’s Direct Secure Messaging solution is a HIPAA-compliant platform that empowers healthcare providers to bridge communication gaps and work together seamlessly.
Providers can ensure continuity of care from one clinician to another by exchanging patient health records and care plans.
4. Continuous Feedback and Assessment
Establishing tools for patient feedback, such as online surveys, allows healthcare organizations to adapt and improve based on real-world insights. This action also reinforces the message that patient satisfaction matters.
Benefits for Healthcare Providers
Providers adopting healthcare models focused on patient needs often see significant benefits.
Improved Patient Outcomes
According to Tulane University’s School of Public Health, those who receive patient-centered care tend to have better health outcomes than those who do not. This is partly because the “continuity of care” crucial to this model is at the forefront. When a physician has known a patient for a long time, they are more likely to detect health problems long before one starts.
Higher Patient Satisfaction
Engaged and informed patients are more likely to feel satisfied with their care. One review found that when patients are happy, they tend to:
- Engage in preventative behaviors such as immunizations, mammograms, and regular health checkups.
- Feel less anxiety overall about their health.
- Take their medications as their doctors prescribe, resulting in fewer complications and minimizing unnecessary visits.
Cost Savings
Preventive care and reduced hospital readmissions contribute to cost-effective operations. By focusing on simpler solutions first, like health screenings, it can reduce the need for unnecessary tests and hospital referrals. For example, increasing colorectal cancer screening to 70% among adults aged 50 to 64 could reduce Medicare spending by $14 billion by 2050.
Enhanced Reputation
Providers seen as patient-focused leaders in the industry boost trust and attract more patients. Implementing this model can also set a provider apart from others in the market, attracting patients seeking a more personalized healthcare experience.
RELATED ARTICLE: Patient Retention Strategies
The Future of Patient-Centric Care
Looking ahead, the future of patient-centric care lies in further innovations in technology and care delivery. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will provide predictive insights to more effectively tailor treatments.
Additionally, virtual care models will continue to evolve, with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) potentially redefining how patients experience certain treatments.
However, the focus will remain the same—ensuring that healthcare revolves around what matters most to each patient.
Empowering Providers to Deliver Patient-Centric Care
Adopting patient-centered healthcare strategies is no longer optional; it is essential in delivering exceptional care in an increasingly competitive industry.
By leveraging advanced patient engagement strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and coordinated efforts, healthcare providers can stay ahead of the curve.
Are you ready to transform your practice and put patients at the forefront of care?
Contact Updox today to learn about tools and solutions designed to empower your team to deliver patient-centric excellence.
