Patient- and Family-Centered Care
At UAMS, we’re constantly striving to offer the best in medical care to our patients. Our patient- and family-centered care is an approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients and families. It redefines the relationships in health care.
Patient- and family-centered practitioners recognize the vital role that families play in ensuring the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and family members of all ages. They acknowledge that emotional, social and developmental supports are integral components of health care. They promote the health and well-being of individuals and families and restore dignity and control to them.
Patient- and family-centered care is an approach to health care that shapes policies, programs, facility design and staff day-to-day interactions. It leads to better health outcomes and wiser allocation of resources, and greater patient and family satisfaction.
Core Concepts of Patient- and Family-Centered Care
- Dignity and Respect. Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.
- Information Sharing. Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete and accurate information on order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
- Participation. Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.
- Collaboration. Patients, families, health care practitioners and health care leaders collaborate in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation; in facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.