Person-centred care could become even more of a priority
Patients, many nurses, and policy statements have for the past decade (at least) called for more patient-centred care, yet reports continue to emerge about extensive shortcomings in current services. Will there be changes to ensure compassionate care?
Policy statements have sought to provide more patient-centred care, with decisions to be made in consultation with patients and to take into account individual circumstances. The aim has been to make care more personalized, treating people with dignity and compassion and taking account of their wishes. Yet reports continue to emerge about extreme shortcomings in current services, including failures to meet nutritional needs and respect dignity (Care Quality Commission 2011, Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People 2012). The demand for more patient-centred care will continue and probably be expressed more strongly. However, there are questions: Is the idea of intelligently compassionate nursing easy to support but difficult to ensure in practice? Will there be changes in how services are supplied and provided in order to ensure compassionate care?
Sources or references
- Suggested by number of stakeholders in interview and in workshops during CfWI research on nursing.
- From unpublished CfWI report (report available on request).
- Care Quality Commission 2011. Dignity and nutrition inspection programme: National overview.
- Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People, 2012. Delivering dignity.
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
