How does patient-centered care relate to evidence-informed practice?

Patient-centered care fundamentally relates to evidence-informed practice by emphasizing the integration of patient preferences, needs, and values into the decision-making process. This approach recognizes that healthcare should not solely revolve around clinical guidelines or the opinions of healthcare providers but should actively involve patients as partners in their own care. By taking into account what patients want and need, healthcare providers can tailor interventions that are not only based on the best available evidence but also resonate with the individual circumstances and desires of each patient.

This alignment encourages a more holistic view of healthcare, where clinical effectiveness is combined with the quality of the patient experience. When patients are engaged and their values are respected, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and experience better health outcomes. In contrast, focusing only on clinical guidelines or the provider's viewpoints overlooks the vital role that patient engagement plays in effective care, making it less likely that the treatment provided will be fully effective or satisfactory from the patient's perspective. Therefore, the integration of patient-centered principles is essential for truly evidence-informed practice.