Integrating patient- and family-centered care with health policy: four proposed policy approaches

Abstract

Achieving patient-centeredness in health care delivery has been difficult, in large part due to the lack of a replicable methodology. We describe the Patient- and Family-Centered Care Methodology and Practice (PFCC M/P), designed specifically for health care, to establish and sustain patient-centeredness in any care setting. The PFCC M/P meets the needs of all stakeholders--patients, families, providers, payers, and government--in improving the patient experience, patient safety, and clinical outcomes while decreasing waste and cost. We also propose options for aligning the PFCC M/P with policy as a means of bringing about widespread transformation in health care delivery.