In promoting safety, what does patient-centered care emphasize?

Patient-centered care emphasizes the importance of understanding and integrating patients' preferences and needs into their healthcare experience. This approach acknowledges that patients are not just passive recipients of care; rather, they are active participants in their own health decisions. By prioritizing what matters most to the patient, including their values, experiences, and specific health concerns, care providers can tailor their services to improve overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.

In this context, focusing on patients' preferences also fosters stronger communication between patients and healthcare providers, promotes shared decision-making, and enhances patients' engagement in their own care. It recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate and that personalized care is vital to ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes. By placing the patient at the center of care, healthcare systems can better address the holistic needs of individuals, resulting in safer and more effective care.