Patient-Centered Care

The healthcare shift to patient-centred care:

Today’s society is fast-paced and we live in a day of age where individuals increasingly favour an active role in designing their own lives. The healthcare arena is no different. More and more people are becoming increasingly engaged in their healthcare journeys in the fast-changing, complex and evolving healthcare landscape.

Going to see a doctor is rarely a welcomed experience by most. Chronic diseases affect more than 50% of our aging Canadian population, with healthcare dollars eating up a large portion of provincial budgets. Concerning how healthcare is being delivered, care quality remains a universal constant among the majority of public and professional stakeholders. Almost gone are the traditional days of “doctor-centered care” where patients are rarely consulted on healthcare delivery, and where delivery is mostly designed to meet organizational priorities and not patient needs.

Patient-centred care

A paradigm shift in healthcare delivery has occurred, and the emerging concept of “patient-centred care” is widely debated and taking centre stage. Since 1998, the Health Care in Canada (HCIC) survey has served as Canada’s Healthcare Report Card. It is a trustable source of national data and peer-reviewed healthcare research findings, whose vision is to provide reliable evidence to inform and influence the improvement of Canadian health policy and care. Canadians value timely access to care, perceived respect and caring with its delivery, decisions made in partnership among patients and providers, and within a basic belief that care should be based on patient needs versus their ability to pay.

In patient-centred care, an individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all healthcare decisions and quality measurements. Patients are partners with their healthcare providers, and providers treat patients not only from a clinical perspective, but also from an emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and financial perspective.

Active Patient Participation

A vital part of patient-centred care involves the active participation of patients along their healthcare journey. This means you are choosing to be included in decision-making, healthcare planning and goal setting, which in turn improve overall health outcomes.

Healthcare professionals should provide patients information necessary to make informed decisions and allow for time and opportunities to ask questions and talk to family and friends before making decisions.

Patients also have the right to refuse any treatment they are uncomfortable with. If you lose the capacity to make decisions, you have the right to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you.

Communication

High-quality healthcare is based on open and effective two-way communication between you and your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional should explain information about your care and condition, including treatment options, prognosis, potential side effects, and costs. You should be able to ask questions, and understanding your treatment options will help you make informed decisions about your care.

Collaboration

Collaborative care is an essential component in the patient-centred healthcare model. care encourages active collaboration and shared decision-making between patients, families, and all healthcare providers involved to design and manage a customized care plan. These elements of patient-centred care, in turn, affect the way health systems and facilities are designed, managed and the way care is delivered. A healthcare system or facility’s mission, vision and values are usually aligned with patient-centred goals. Care is collaborative, coordinated, and accessible, which means the right care is provided at the right time and in the right place.

What the research is saying

Research has shown that the relationship between a patient and their doctor greatly determines not only the patient’s satisfaction with care but also with treatment outcomes. As the patient-centred healthcare model becomes universally prevalent in our healthcare landscape, it is expected that all patients will become more engaged and satisfied with the delivery of their care. Clinical efficacy and improved health outcomes will have a far-reaching impact, resulting in healthier societies overall.

Collaboration at CURAVITA

At CURAVITA Health Group our team of Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists are pleased to collaborate on creating a customized care plan to meet your specific needs. We are always happy to extend this service and further discuss your care with your family physician and other healthcare professionals.

Our collaborative care approach to chiropractic care, physiotherapy and massage therapy within the Ottawa health and the medical community is about putting patients first. Built on the very foundation of our core values of trust, respect, and honesty, we uphold this collaborative approach through mutual respect with both medical professionals and our patients. This mutual respect is our gold standard in providing quality family healthcare. We believe this collaborative approach advances the quality of care in family health, wellness in communities and results in excellent care for all.

If you think you need musculoskeletal (MSK) care and are not sure where to start, call the CURAVITA Health Group today to book a comprehensive assessment. Our model of patient-centred care in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment will ensure you get the right care, at the right time and in the right place.  Call us at our CURAVITA Glebe Clinic at 613-237-9000 or our CURAVITA Byward Clinic at 613-860-8600 to book an assessment today.