Two sides of the same coin: person-centred systems versus person-centred nursing practice. Theory, barriers and opportunities
Amy‐Louise Byrne
Abstract
Background: Person-centred care is a well-known concept in nursing practice. It is understood that person-centred care represents a way of providing care, which considers the person's social, emotional and physical health. Person-centred care is tailored care, which meets individual's needs, while also including them in decision-making. Aims: Despite this, the practice of person-centred care can be stifled by system constraints which impact largely on the nursing profession. This paper aims to explore such challenges, highlighting the disconnect between theory and practice. Methods: Adapted from the work of Fairclough, this discourse analysis critically reviews a cross section of texts related to person-centred care and offers a critique for discussion. Results: (nursing care), highlighting the tension between the theories and practice. Conclusion and contribution to nursing: This paper highlights not only the challenges but also the opportunities in embedding person-centred care into system design, and considers further changes required to enable nurses to practice care which supports the whole needs of the person. It suggests that leveraging nursing expertise and experience may provide an avenue for system change.