BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on delivering better health services through patient-centered care.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the shift towards a more patient-centered approach is driven by a multifaceted understanding that extends beyond traditional models. The imperative to consider the whole person in healthcare delivery arises not only from a desire to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patient satisfaction but also from the recognition that health and well-being encompass all aspects of patients’ lives beyond the absence of illness. This paradigm shift acknowledges the potential for decreased costs and more efficient use of resources through a focus on preventive measures and coordinated care, personalized treatment plans, social care, and a collaborative partnership between healthcare providers and patients. By prioritizing patient needs and preferences, the healthcare system aims to elevate the quality of care while optimizing resource utilization, ultimately improving health and well-being outcomes and fostering increased satisfaction among both patients and healthcare providers and staff.
This Collection explores and highlights the transformative impact of patient-centered care on quality of care. We are particularly interested in the following research areas:
• Reporting about patient-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations
• Exploring cutting-edge technologies and telehealth platforms that empower patients in decision-making, including medical homes, virtual consultations, remote monitoring
• Investigating the impact of a holistic approach addressing patients' physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being
• Patient-centered and whole person care in specialized fields, particularly complex care, long term care
• The role and perspectives of healthcare professionals in patient-centered and whole person care
• Assessing the performance of patient-centered and whole person care initiatives, including cost-effectiveness
• Approaches to coordinating patient-centered and whole person care to ensure that patients’ preferences and priorities are shared across care teams and settings
• Strategies and solutions for overcoming organizational and cultural barriers in patient-centered and whole person care
• Policy implications and advocacy for patient-centered and whole person care
• Large-scale system transformations to improve patient-centered and whole person care
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