Aligning Patient Wishes with Care: The Goal of Patient-Centered Care

This chapter focuses on the importance of aligning patient wishes with care, which is the goal of patient-centered care. The chapter details the story of John, whose advanced dementia was overlooked by the healthcare system. The chapter proposes a shift in the healthcare approach from acute stabilization to a comprehensive perspective that considers the patient’s complete medical journey. To support this new medical paradigm, the chapter recommends the use of the disease as a journey metaphor as a powerful framework. This approach helps healthcare providers understand the unique needs and challenges of each patient and tailor their care to provide the best possible outcomes. The chapter emphasizes the need for accurate and timely information delivered compassionately to patients and their families. It concludes by stressing the importance of respecting patient autonomy and the need for collaborative conversations to ensure that patients receive care that aligns with their wishes.