Enhancing Diabetic Retinopathy Care: A Person-Centered Approach

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a leading cause of preventable blindness, presenting significant challenges for both people and healthcare systems. Traditional DR management predominantly focuses on clinical interventions, such as retinal screening and pharmacological or surgical treatments, often overlooking the broader human aspects of care. This paper explores the integration of person-centered care (PCC) in DR management, emphasising the importance of individualised care that addresses medical, emotional, and social factors as well as other key aspects of person centered medicine such as collaborative diagnosis and shared care decision-making. Implementing PCC, facilitated by advancements in telemedicine and digital health tools, offers a unique opportunity to improve person engagement and disease-related and well-being outcomes. Through shared decision-making, tailored education, psychosocial support, and effective communication, PCC helps to address key barriers in DR care, such as health literacy and patient and family participation in the care process. The emphasis on thoughtful communication between healthcare professionals and patients builds trust, empowers patients to take an active role in their own care, and ultimately improves health outcomes. This holistic and collaborative approach enhances clinical results and increases patient satisfaction and overall well-being, offering a transformative framework for care.