Which of the following best describes “patient-centric” communication?

The concept of "patient-centric" communication revolves around the importance of prioritizing the needs and concerns of patients in the healthcare experience. This approach emphasizes understanding the individual patient's preferences, values, and unique circumstances, ensuring that they are actively engaged in their own care. When communication is patient-centric, healthcare professionals actively listen, provide relevant information, and work collaboratively with patients to make decisions that align with their personal health goals.

In contrast, focusing solely on hospital protocols disregards the individual patient's context and may not address their specific needs. Ensuring staff follow a script can lead to a transaction-oriented interaction that lacks personalization and responsiveness to a patient's unique situation. Providing minimal information to patients undermines their ability to make informed decisions about their care, potentially leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. Thus, prioritizing patients' needs and concerns is fundamental to effective, compassionate, and collaborative healthcare communication.