From "patient" to "person" to "people": the need for integrated, people centered health care.

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Published: Sep 11, 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5750/ijpcm.v2i3.148

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Jan De Maeseneer
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care at Ghent University International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC
Chris van Weel
Department Primary and Community Care Radboud University Postbus 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen The Netherlands
Lieve Daeren
Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Christine Leyns
Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Peter Decat
International Centre for Reproductive Health Ghent University UZ 2K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Pauline Boeckxstaens
Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Dirk Avonts
Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Sara Willems
Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Abstract

AbstractBackground and aim The development of person centred care is based on the principle that each human is a unique autonomous individual, in illness as much as in health. In pursuing health care that is directed at the people the interdependence of the human beings, other living beings and their broader  environment comes forward. This paper proposes a theoretical framework which identifies the major elements of people centered care. From this framework “indicator-fields” are deducted and a first exercise to define specific indicators that could be used to assess the "people centeredness" of health systems is made. With this paper we hope to feed the debate on people-oriented care, its components and possible indicators and to contribute to the develop an instrument that assesses the actual  people centeredness of a health system.Methods This paper builds on a literature-based theoretical exploration of the concept, and a series of Delphi-rounds with members of the International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine – Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC.Results Five themes and subthemes were identified which are essential in the assessment of the people-orientation of care: people centered care is sensitive and respectful for differences while at the same time promoting basic universal rights and values (proportionate universalism); is available, accessible and affordable for all; is directed at the comprehensiveness of health care services; considers relevance and quality aspects of care, such as the responsiveness, adequacy and continuity of health care; and empowers individuals and communities through active involvement and participation. Consequently, possible indicators to measure a system’s person centeredness are proposed.   Conclusions Further systematic review of the literature and empirical research on the development of the theoretical framework and useful indicators are needed to turn this into a robust tool to support health policy setting.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2012): September
Section
Measuring progress towards people-centered care
Author Biographies

Jan De Maeseneer, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care at Ghent University International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC

Vice-dean Strategic Planning Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Ghent University.Director International Centre for PHC and Family Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC.Chairman European Forum for Primary Care.Secretary General The Network: Towards Unity for Health.

Chris van Weel, Department Primary and Community Care Radboud University Postbus 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen The Netherlands

Department Primary and Community Care MD, Ph.D.

Lieve Daeren, Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Department Family Medicine and Primary Health CareMA

Christine Leyns, Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MDDepartment Family Medicine and Primary Health Care

Peter Decat, International Centre for Reproductive Health Ghent University UZ 2K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MDInternational Centre for Reproductive Health

Pauline Boeckxstaens, Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MDDepartment Family Medicine and Primary Health Care

Dirk Avonts, Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MD, Ph.D.Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care

Sara Willems, Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care International Centre for Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Ghent University, a WHO Collaborating Centre on PHC Ghent University UZ 1K3 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MA, Ph.D.Department Family Medicine and Primary Health Care

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