Patient-directed

Patient-directed describes a healthcare approach where the individual receiving care actively participates in making decisions about their treatment plan. It prioritizes the patient's needs, preferences, values, and goals, promoting a collaborative relationship between the patient and healthcare providers. This model empowers patients to be informed, engaged, and in control of their health journey, leading to potentially improved adherence, satisfaction, and outcomes. It involves shared decision-making, open communication, and a focus on holistic care that addresses the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. The care is tailored to the patient's individual circumstances.

Patient-directed meaning with examples

• The clinic emphasized a patient-directed approach, ensuring that the patient felt heard and had agency in determining the type of care they received. The doctor spent a significant amount of time gathering data regarding lifestyle and preferences. The result was a truly tailored healthcare plan. The patient appreciated being treated as an equal partner.
• For her chronic condition, the patient was placed in a patient-directed program. The care was designed to allow her to make informed choices about medication and lifestyle adjustments based on her values. She felt empowered to participate in the decisions and, as a result, was more compliant with the therapy.
• Implementing patient-directed care requires cultural changes in how healthcare is provided. Physicians need to develop new communication skills, where they elicit the patient's values, address patient preferences and make a clear plan. This approach may increase trust and improves outcomes by empowering the patient.
• The hospital adopted a patient-directed model, which included offering educational resources and support groups to foster patient autonomy and self-management. Patients also received access to their health records and were encouraged to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers at any time.
• Through patient-directed therapy, the patient felt more in control and involved. The therapist worked with the patient to discuss the patient's values, identify goals and make a treatment plan together. The patient could direct the focus of the sessions, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.