Patients as Partners
Engaging patients is at the foundation of safe care. Patient and family centred care is “an approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among healthcare providers, patients, and families”.[1] It shapes all aspects of healthcare delivery, including facility design, programs, policies, and staff-patient/family interaction.
A related concept is “patient and family engaged care”, defined as “care planned, delivered, managed, and continuously improved in active partnership with patients and their families to ensure integration of their health and healthcare goals, preferences, and values.” [2]
Healthcare providers listen to and honour patient and family perspectives and choices.
Information sharing
Healthcare providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
Participation
Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision‐making at the level they choose. Engagement occurs at all levels of the care continuum – direct care, organizational level and the health system.
Education and support
Healthcare providers ensure that appropriate education and support is provided to patients and family members and others involved in their care.
Collaboration
Healthcare leaders collaborate with patients and families in meaningful ways.
Transitioning to a Patient and Family Centred Care Model
- Get demonstrated commitment of leadership from the top – management and board
- Design and implement a plan that addresses the key contributing factors to patient and family centred care in your setting, including:
- a strategic vision that is clearly and consistently communicated to every member of your team
- use of a proactive measurement and evaluation system to monitor the progress of your area and organization in the transition
- mechanisms to engage patients and families at multiple levels, e.g.
- develop the appropriate infrastructure in your area and organization to support and enable healthcare providers to adopt patient and family centred approaches to care delivery e.g. education for staff on each of the foundational concepts, invitation to patient to share their experience and ideas with your services
- implement processes that support the ability of patients and families to report potential critical incidents or other issues that they deem important
- engage patients/families on your committees to give them a voice in the healthcare delivery process
- encourage patients and families to play an active role in their own safety by asking questions, getting an advocate, knowing and showing their medications on a list, and being vigilant in hand washing
They can become allies – they can provide information necessary to their healthcare team, observe care processes, report complications, practice self-management, and offer creative ideas and perspectives. There are many references and websites available to guide patient and family centred care efforts. For more information, see www.mips.ca Resources and Tips.
Learn….to be safe!
For more information on patient safety, go to the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety website at www.mips.ca and www.safetoask.ca
[1] Institute for
Patient-And Family-Centered Care.
Accessed June 9, 2016 at Institute for
Patient- and Family-Centered Care - Frequently Asked Questions
[2] Frampton, Susan
et al (2017). Harnessing Evidence and
Experience to Change Culture; A Guiding Framework for Patient and Family
Engaged Care. National Academy of
Medicine, January 31, 2017
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