What is an essential aspect of patient-centered care as per NPSGs?

An essential aspect of patient-centered care, as outlined in the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs), involves the active involvement of patients and their families in decision-making processes. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring that patients are not merely passive recipients of care but are engaged partners in their healthcare journey. Engaging patients and families facilitates informed decision-making, aligning healthcare services with the patient's preferences, needs, and values.

When patients are involved in decisions regarding their treatment and care plans, it can lead to improved health outcomes, greater satisfaction with care, and enhanced adherence to treatment recommendations. This approach fosters open communication, encourages mutual respect, and builds trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Other options might address aspects of healthcare but do not represent the core of patient-centered care as defined by the NPSGs. For example, while reducing healthcare costs is important, it does not necessarily enhance the patient experience or outcome. Standardizing treatment protocols can enhance efficiency and safety but may overlook individual patient needs. Enhancing staff performance evaluations is part of quality improvement but does not directly contribute to the patient-centered approach that prioritizes involvement and empowerment of patients and their families.