Improving Patient Care and Quality of Life: A Person-Centric Approach

A Person-Centric Approach to Improve Patient Quality of Life

Over the years, patients have been searching for better methods to help them improve health outcomes and their quality of life. Patients are increasingly taking control of their health and finding ways to improve their care. 

Patient care is changing. Instead of focusing only on illnesses and diseases, care teams are now emphasizing patient engagement, wellness and quality of life. Improving patient care and quality of life have increasingly been at the forefront of health care. 

The Current State of Patient Quality of Life 

Quality of life (QoL) is how an individual perceives their position in life regarding their value system, such as their goals, standards, concerns, and expectations (The World Health Organization). These variables change based on a person’s level of comfort and happiness and often can be impacted by health conditions.  

The desire to improve a patient’s QoL has resulted in a growing demand from patients to be more involved with their health care and for healthcare services to provide an enhanced experience (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). 

The current health care system is patient-focused; however, the scope needs to go beyond this to focus on the person and their QoL. 

Pain Points Affecting Patient Quality of Life 

Various pain points affect patient QoL in the health care system (University of Southern California):  

• Limited access to resources 
• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and age 
• Negative healthcare service experiences  
• A focus on the condition rather than the person living with the condition 
• Difficulty in communication efforts between individuals and their care team  

However, there has been an increase in the perception of the importance of patient QoL, causing QoL to be more focused on in healthcare, particularly with some conditions requiring life-long care or long-term treatment plans (Bullinger & Quitmann). QoL can help improve care when measured before, during, and after care to record its impacts and improve QoL for future patients (Bullinger & Quitmann). 

What is a Person-Centric Approach to Care? 

Person-centric care empowers people to take an active role in their health care. A person-centric approach to care occurs when healthcare professionals work with patients to tailor services to support their needs. This approach is personalized to each patient and coordinated with care team members to ensure patients can manage their health when possible (NHS).  

Improving Patient Quality of Life Through a Person-Centric Approach 

Increasingly, patients are looking for methods to help them improve their quality of life. In this way, the healthcare system needs to become more person-focused to better understand what qualifies for improving a patient’s quality of life and quality of care (Rao, Prasad Eye Institute). 

When improving patient outcomes, looking at the overall picture of what’s most important to each individual is at the center of the work.

Following a person-centric approach includes (Guideway Care): 

• Respecting a patient’s values, preferences, and needs 
• Better informing and educating patients 
• Providing emotional support 
• Including the needs of caregivers and family 
• Improving a patient’s access to care 

One way a person-centric approach can be implemented is through whole health. Whole health focuses on the “whole person” rather than organs or body systems (NCCIH). It allows physicians, researchers, and clinicians to focus on the bigger picture - all the different aspects a patient goes through when receiving care.  

Whole health aims to restore a person’s physical and mental health, promote resilience, and prevent future illnesses. It focuses on what matters to the patient rather than solely focusing on their condition.   

It’s also important to involve the patient in the decision-making process by having more patient advisors on boards and continuing to amplify their voices.  

Having a person-focused approach and understanding that the most important person within a health care system is the patient should be at the forefront of decisions and recognized by all those who are part of that system. This factor alone makes a significant difference in patient QoL outcomes (Rao, Prasad Eye Institute). 

Bringing It All Together 

Patient quality of life is becoming increasingly important in healthcare as the focus shifts towards being person-centric. In the upcoming years, empowering individuals to be at the center of their care will become highlighted in healthcare. This shift will help improve patients' quality of care and their experiences within the healthcare system. 

To learn how Zamplo Research uses a person-centric approach to lead healthcare innovation, click here.