Please respond to each classmate with at least 125 words with a reference.
Discussion 1:
Patient-centeredness, otherwise known as patient centered care (PCC) is defined as responsive and respectful to patient preferences, values, and needs, while ensuring all clinical decisions are guided by patient values (Engle et al., 2021). Organizations that are successful in PCC, placed patients at the center of their organizations by advocating for, collaborating with, and engaging them in the decision-making of their care. At these organizations, pilot programs are initiated, root cause analysis is conducted, rapid process improvements are conducted, and waste is eliminated that in turn improves patient care. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is provided by utilizing guidelines, committees, training, and standardized reporting systems. Organizations that have high EBP performance are involved in implementation and guideline development. They offer resource support, have committees that discuss the latest evidence and how it affects practice. Evidence-based care bundles are provided, as well as quality improvement activities that support EBP-related performance. Frontline is often involved in these initiatives and are chosen to lead projects. When organizations are transitioning to a relationship where PCC and EBP coexist, it often involves significant changes in approaches and culture to clinical care. Organizations should reflect on current practices being implemented. Providers may feel that EBP limits professional autonomy, and that PCC does not always reflect their provided quality of care. Growing literature suggests that PCC and EBM combined provides for high-quality care where patients are involved in decision-making regarding their care (Engle et al., 2021).
A qualitative analysis study from a mixed-methods study was conducted by Engler et al. (2021) to identify which characteristics are present in organizations that are effectively able to provide care that is both patient centered, and evidence based. In the study, a barrier to providing both PCC and EBT is organizational culture, and whether it is punitive or supportive. To ensure success, leadership should introduce policies and procedures with expectations that employees are to be held accountable for providing an effectively balanced PCC and EBP care. Literature suggests that leadership has an impact on effective implementation of this by reinforcing staff’s involvement by their personal actions and support. Managers should ensure that the proper processes and structures are available to staff to ensure proper delivery of care that is both patient centered as well as evidence based. Staff should be held accountable and recognized by providing EBP and PCC in a symbiotic manner. By providing these supports and structures, and encouraging practices by multidisciplinary care, this may create a supportive culture of evidence-based PCC.
Discussion 2:
Patient-centeredness in the context of evidence-based practice refers to an approach that places the patient at the forefront of healthcare decision-making, acknowledging their unique values, preferences, and circumstances while integrating the best available evidence from clinical research. It emphasizes collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, with the aim of tailoring care to meet individual patient needs and promoting shared decision-making (Epstein & Street, 2011). In my practice environment, several barriers exist that hinder the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care. One prominent barrier is time constraints. Healthcare providers often face limited time during patient encounters, which can inhibit meaningful discussions about treatment options and involvement of patients in decision-making processes (Ha et al., 2010). Additionally, the resistance to change among healthcare professionals poses a significant obstacle. Many practitioners may be accustomed to traditional, provider-driven models of care and may be reluctant to adopt a more patient-centered approach (Oliveria et al., 2018). Furthermore, the lack of adequate training in communication skills, shared decision-making techniques, and cultural competency can impede healthcare providers’ ability to effectively engage patients in decision-making processes (Huang et al., 2017). To alleviate these barriers and promote patient-centered evidence-based care, several actions can be undertaken. First, healthcare providers should receive comprehensive education and training in communication skills and shared decision-making techniques. This training should include strategies for effectively engaging patients from diverse backgrounds and addressing their unique needs and preferences (Huang et al., 2017). Additionally, healthcare organizations can implement workflow redesign initiatives to allow for more time during patient encounters for meaningful discussions about treatment options. This may involve restructuring schedules or implementing team-based care approaches to share the workload among providers (Ha et al., 2010). Furthermore, the use of decision aids can enhance patient understanding of treatment options and facilitate informed decision-making. Decision aids, such as pamphlets, videos, or interactive online tools, can help patients weigh the benefits and risks of different treatment options based on their individual preferences and values (Oliveria et al., 2018). Lastly, organizational leaders should actively promote a culture of patient-centered care within healthcare settings, providing resources and support to facilitate its implementation. This may involve incentivizing patient-centered practices, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment that values patient input in decision-making processes. In conclusion, patient-centered evidence-based care is essential for promoting optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. By addressing barriers such as time constraints, resistance to change, and lack of training, healthcare providers and organizations can take meaningful steps toward implementing patient-centered care models that prioritize the needs and preferences of individual patients
