Patient- and family-centered care is an approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care professionals, patients, and families. It redefines the relationships in health care by placing an emphasis on collaborating with people of all ages, at all levels of care, and in all health care settings. This collaboration assures that health care is responsive to priorities, preferences, and values of patients and their families. In patient- and family-centered care, patients and families define their “family” and determine how they will participate in care and decision-making. This perspective is based on the recognition that patients and families are essential allies for health care quality and safety—not only in direct care encounters but also in efforts to improve health care for all, including in research.
Core Concepts of Patient- and Family-Centered Care
Dignity and Respect. Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.
Information Sharing. Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
Participation. Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.
Collaboration. Patients, families, health care practitioners, and health care leaders collaborate in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in research; facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
Learn more about patient- and family-centered care at www.ipfcc.org.