Patient Centered | Community Health

Patient-centered care is a healthcare approach that focuses on the unique needs, values, and preferences of each individual patient. This approach prioritizes open communication, shared decision-making, and a holistic understanding of the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), established in 2010, is a key organization promoting patient-centered research and care. With a budget of over $3 billion, PCORI funds comparative effectiveness research to inform healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. By 2025, PCORI aims to support over 1,000 research projects, engaging patients, clinicians, and policymakers in the research process. As of 2022, PCORI has already funded over 500 studies, with a focus on conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health. The patient-centered approach has been shown to improve patient satisfaction, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance health outcomes, with studies demonstrating a 20-30% reduction in hospital readmissions and a 15-25% decrease in healthcare expenditures.