1. Shared Medical Records
PCC’s practice of Shared Medical Record refers to the patients’ ability to access their real-time, in-progress personal health information during a care episode. For patients/residents to be engaged as bona fide members of their own care team, it is essential that the rigid division between what information is shared among clinicians and what information is shared with patients/ residents and family members be eliminated. This includes the medical record and care plan (or an equivalent source of information on the patient’s/residents’ current health status and prognosis, how they are responding to interventions, treatment options, any concerns, and what needs to occur for their treatment plan to yield optimal results.) A collaborative review of the record, with the patient/resident (and family, with patient/resident consent) supported in understanding its contents by a healthcare professional, provides the opportunity for education and sets the stage for more informed decision-making.
2. Meal Preference and Mealtime Accommodations
The patients’ Meal Preference and Mealtime Accommodations is one of the best practices to honor, the patients’ and residents’ preferences. Person-centered organizations find ways to “systematically personalize” the healthcare experience for everyone. This goes beyond honoring preferences for treatment options, extending as well to maximizing opportunities for individuals to maintain their personal routines, patterns, and rhythms of life. Doing so maintains feelings of “normalcy,” autonomy and peace of mind at times when people may feel most vulnerable, uneasy, and lacking a sense of control.
3. Bedside Shift Report
A patient-centered adaptation of the traditional nursing task of shift report to include the patient (and family as appropriate) as active participants and contributors in the exchange of essential patient information between care team members. Patients/residents and family members are not merely told they are integral members of their own care team, they are treated as such. They are actively invited to participate in discussions and decisions about their care with the clinical team. Participation in these discussions is not limited to hearing the conversation, but also includes invitations and encouragement to add to the conversation, ask questions, confirm a common understanding and/or learn more about next steps in their care. Furthermore, the expectation is that patients/residents/family can participate in the entirety of these conversations versus select parts.
4. White Board
Whiteboards offers numerous benefits as central communication hubs, displaying vital patient information like names, and care teams, aiding quick identification. Treatment plans, medication schedules, and procedures can be visually outlined, ensuring coordinated and effective care among medical staff. Whiteboards facilitate real-time updates on patient conditions, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making. Patient education is enhanced through visual aids and explanations on the board. Daily goals and shift changes are streamlined, promoting a sense of progress and continuity in care. Crucial emergency information and contact details are readily available, aiding prompt responses. Overall, whiteboard facilities in hospitals significantly contribute to efficient care delivery, team coordination, and patient engagement.
5. Care Partner Program
Care Partner Program empowers PCC culture with a process of identifying and partnering with patients/residents and family/ friend caregivers throughout the care encounter to participate in care activities and to enhance their abilities to manage healthcare needs outside of a specific care episode. These care activities include physical care, patient education, and care coordination. The approach is tailored to the treatment plan, patient/resident preference, and the family/friend caregivers’ abilities. When care is focused in this way, healing may be accelerated because the patient/resident, supported by an informed and involved family member(s) or friend(s), is better equipped to effectively manage their health outside of a specific care episode.
6. Staff Engagement (including Staff Wellness, Staff Recognition and Reward Systems)
Staff engagement plays pivotal role in implementing PCC practices. All staff, including employed medical staff, off-shift and support staff, participates in experiences designed to help them personally connect to the concepts of person-centered care and to better understand the perspectives of patients/residents, families and other colleagues. Recognition and reward systems are also implemented to reinforce person-centered attitudes and behaviors. These are offered an ongoing basis to reinforce and revitalize staff engagement in person-centered behaviors and practices.
