Do you currently see a doctor or nurse practitioner with whom you set specific health goals? Does your doctor/nurse practitioner inform you about your medications, and educate you about the conditions in which you are receiving treatment? I hope so, because that is what we are supposed to do.
Not too many years ago, the medical field started a trend toward patient-centered care, which is medical practice that emphasizes the patient and his or her needs. The Institute of Medicine, a non-profit think tank, defines patient-centered care as “Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” It sounds like a good idea. It is a good idea, and it works. And, more clinicians are doing it. Is yours?
For patient-centered care to work, clinicians need to provide information and education to patients so that they can make good treatment decisions. Research shows that when patients and clinicians work together toward a health goal, there is a much greater chance for success. Success means better outcomes, and that means a better quality of life.
Hand in hand with patient-centered care is the concept of goal-directed care. What is it? It is a way for patients and their clinicians to work together for better health.
The purpose of goal-directed care is to identify patient health goals. These goals can be physical, as in weight loss, diabetes management, improved physical performance or whatever the person’s individual health needs may be. They can be psychological – as with anxiety and depression management. Whatever the desired outcome, goal-directed care is a partnership between patient and clinician. Together, they create health care plans to achieve their goals.
The goal-oriented approach to health care has many pluses:
- It gives the provider and patient a chance to create mutually agreed upon goals.
- It also allows the provider and patient to focus on the complete person; all the conditions are taken into consideration when forming a wellness plan.
- Both the provider and the patient are on the same page concerning the desired outcome. This approach allows for shared decision-making; patients prioritize the plan based on what they feel is essential, and the clinician can focus on the most effective strategies on how to achieve the goals.
A good example using the patient-centered, goal-directed approach is weight loss. In the old days, your clinician would tell you that you should exercise for about 30 minutes, perhaps three times to as many as five times per week. Also, he or she might ask you to limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, avoid desserts and between-meal snacking. Such advice is too vague. What type of exercise? What kind of food? Where does one start? Join a gym? Read a diet book? And which diet book?
Using a patient-centered, goal-directed approach, the patient and clinician draw up a plan for weight loss success. Exercise and physical activity based on the patient’s likes and dislikes, current condition and lifestyle are considered. The same goes for diet; a well-planned, doable meal plan is established based on patient tastes. Perhaps medication is considered as adjunctive therapy. Whatever the plan, the goals are mutually agreed upon and are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based: SMART. Once initiated, the plan is carried out and evaluated after specific periods. Benchmarks are established, and adjustments made when necessary. Throughout the process, the patient and clinician work as a team to achieve the result.
It is our sincere hope at Vitality Care Center that you currently are working with a clinician who helps you establish and plan out your health goals. Everyone should have the opportunity to receive education about the medications he or she is taking and specifics about illness or chronic ailments. To be informed is to be better prepared to cope with or conquer the condition that is currently challenging you.
For additional information about patient-centered, goal-directed care, we invite you to email or call us at Vitality Care Center at the phone number and email addresses listed below. QCBN
By Clarke Krugman
AGNP-C CNS NE
Clarke Krugman AGNP-C CNS NE is the owner of Vitality Care Center and a certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Educator. For more information, call 928-515-0804, visit the Facebook Page @vitalitycareprescott or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
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