Empowering Patient Choice: Person-Centered Care Principles

Person-centered care respects autonomy and supports informed decision-making through six core practices:

1. Provide information & education: Clear, accessible details on diagnosis, options, risks/benefits.
2. Respect individual preferences: Honor unique values, culture, goals; involve patients in decisions.
3. Support decision-making: Offer decision aids, family involvement, advocacy, interpreter services.
4. Be patient & understanding: Allow time for processing, especially with serious illness.
5. Document choices clearly: Record decisions in multiple formats; ensure team-wide awareness.
6. Offer ongoing support: Emotional, practical, and resource connection post-decision.

This approach improves satisfaction, adherence, and outcomes by aligning care with what matters most to the patient.