Introduction
The present paper will consider one of the nursing competencies: Patient-Centered Care (PCC). PCC can be defined as a form of holistic care that is suited to the specific needs, preferences, abilities, and circumstances of patients and aims to empower them along with their families (Constand, MacDermid, Dal Bello-Haas, & Law, 2014; Hood, 2018). Given the diversity of the modern world, PCC is expected to have varied positive outcomes, including better care, reduced costs, and increased patient satisfaction (Constand et al., 2014). The present paper will consider the essential characteristics of PCC and examine its application to the setting of nursing homes.
Essential Characteristics of Patient-Centered Care in Professional Nursing
Respect for the rights of patients is a key element of PCC, which implies the acknowledgment of their right to care. In turn, care needs to be continuous, and the transition of care is crucial in this regard. PCC requires the availability of various healthcare options, as well as the elements of care transition like post-charge appointments (Hood, 2018; O’Shea, Weathers, & McCarthy, 2014). A nurse who delivers PCC needs to ensure the planning of continuous care for their patients.
Furthermore, in PCC, the patient is viewed as an active subject who can participate in self-care (Constand et al., 2014; Hood, 2018). Consequently, PCC presupposes considering the patients’ preferences, as well as cultural and religious backgrounds, family relationships, lifestyles, and other factors (Hood, 2018). Consent is a crucial element of PCC, and the engagement of patients in their care is achieved through effective communication and partnerships between healthcare professionals, patients, and their families (Constand et al., 2014). Thus, PCC views patients as equal to healthcare professionals, which leaves no room for paternalism. This focus on the personality and agency of a patient implies that PCC has strong philosophical principles which need to be shared by PCC nurses.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care in a Nursing Home Setting
The setting of nursing homes has its specifics, including its typical patients. Indeed, geriatric patients may experience a particular need for physical comfort; also, emotional comfort and support are similarly important. A nurse who delivers PCC needs to take these specifics into account (Hood, 2018), which can result in activities like pain management, the construction of a safe environment, socio-emotional support, and so on (O’Shea et al., 2014). Empowerment is also significant for geriatric patients. As a result, PCC is clearly the correct choice for nursing home settings.
Furthermore, PCC is supposed to involve the family and friends of the patient (Hood, 2018; O’Shea et al., 2014). Family support is essential for a patient; close people can also be engaged in care and decision-making. In addition, family members also have needs (O’Shea et al., 2014), and their acknowledgment can improve the family’s well-being. Thus, the significance of PCC to nursing homes is apparent.
Conclusion
PCC presupposes a respectful attitude towards patients, their preferences, lifestyles, and backgrounds. In PCC, no paternalism is possible, and patients are viewed as equals. As a result, it can be suggested that PCC is a philosophical approach, as well as a theoretical and practical principle. Access to continuous care with the appropriate transition is the right of patients that PCC supports. Furthermore, PCC ensures the involvement of patients and families in care and decision-making by building rapport and partnerships with them. All PCC features are crucial in nursing homes due to the specifics of their patients. The anticipated results of PCC include enhanced quality of care and better patient satisfaction, as well as improved health outcomes.
References
Constand, M., MacDermid, J., Dal Bello-Haas, V., & Law, M. (2014). Scoping review of patient-centered care approaches in healthcare. BMC Health Services Research, 14(1), 1-9. Web.
Hood, L. J. (2018). Leddy & Pepper’s professional nursing (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
O’Shea, F., Weathers, E., & McCarthy, G. (2014). Family care experiences in nursing home facilities. Nursing Older People, 26(2), 26-31. Web.