Achieving person-centred health systems: levers and strategies
Ellen Nolte, Anders Anell
Abstract
As we have seen in Chapter 2 of this book, the terminology and interpretations of person-centredness vary across disciplines, professionals and stakeholders. A common theme underlying the diverse understandings is the ethical premise that people as patients and service users, and, by extension, family members, members of the community and citizens more broadly, should be treated as persons, with respect and dignity, and that care should take into account their needs, wants and preferences. However, expectations regarding the outcomes of enhanced person-centred care vary among stakeholders. Thus, managers and decision-makers might anticipate increased efficiency and wider system level effects, while others emphasize more effective engagement at the interpersonal level. Different understandings and perspectives will significantly impact on the translation of principles into practice, and on the perceived or demonstrated effectiveness of relevant initiatives and strategies.