Section Introduction
Patient- and family-centered care is working ‘with’ patients and families, rather than just doing ‘to’ or ‘for’ them.
Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care (2020)
Eight-month-old Eliot feeds poorly, vomits frequently and has hypotonia. His parents need support to manage his developmental difficulties while they also care for their other three children. After Eliot receives a diagnosis from a specialist, the pediatrician answers his parents’ questions and helps them figure out how to integrate his care, especially proper feeding techniques, into their busy family life.
Seven-year-old Carrie, who has cerebral palsy, needs supportive equipment as well as a variety of therapies to help with development and everyday activities. Her medical home physician assistant communicates with occupational and physical therapists and the durable medical equipment provider to ensure Carrie has the correct and appropriate supportive equipment as she grows.
Ten-year-old Shannon has Down syndrome and vision problems. Her caregiver must coordinate appointments to several specialists for Shannon’s health care, and the social worker at Shannon’s medical home helps with that and also facilitates communication among health-care providers.
Matter of Fact
Family-centered care is a process to ensure that the organization and delivery of services, including health-care services, meet the emotional, social and developmental needs of children, and that the strengths and priorities of their families are integrated into all aspects of the service system (HHS, 2013).