What are the consequences of a lack of patient-centered care?

A lack of patient-centered care typically results in poor patient satisfaction and worse health outcomes. This is because patient-centered care focuses on respecting and responding to patients' preferences, needs, and values. When care is not tailored to meet these critical components, patients often feel misunderstood, undervalued, or not adequately supported in their health decisions.

This disconnect can lead to lower engagement in their own health care, which can exacerbate existing health issues or complicate treatment paths. Additionally, patients who feel their concerns are not addressed may not adhere to recommended treatment plans, leading to increased health problems and poorer overall outcomes.

In contrast, approaches focusing on patient-centered care have been linked to higher patient satisfaction because they foster better communication and a stronger therapeutic relationship between patients and providers. Improved health outcomes in such environments are achieved due to the emphasis on shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans that reflect the individual's specific circumstances.

Therefore, the consequences of lacking patient-centered care manifest clearly through decreased satisfaction and deteriorating health results.