Patient-centered health care places the individual at the core of medical decisions, ensuring that treatments align with their unique preferences, needs, and values. This approach fosters a partnership between patients and health care providers, moving away from traditional top-down models to collaborative care.​ 

In this model, patients and their families actively participate in decision-making, leading to more personalized and effective care plans. This shift acknowledges the importance of individual perspectives in achieving optimal health outcomes. ​ 

What is patient-centered health care?

Patient-centered health care is a philosophy that recognizes the individual as the most important voice in their own health journey. Instead of being passive recipients of medical decisions, patients are treated as partners. This means their values, cultural backgrounds, and personal goals help shape their care plans. 

People with greater agency in their health decisions experience better health outcomes, greater satisfaction, and a stronger sense of control. This model fosters trust, engagement, and long-term well-being by honoring each individual’s knowledge and preferences. 

8 principles of patient-centered health care

The future of health care depends on a model that puts individuals at the center of their own care. As medical advancements continue and patient expectations evolve, the most effective systems will be those that prioritize dignity, collaboration, and empowerment. By embracing these principles, health care providers can create a system that not only improves outcomes today but also builds a foundation for long-term well-being and innovation. 

Every person is unique, and so are their health needs. A truly patient-centered system respects the individual's right to choose care that aligns with their values. This principle is deeply connected to dignity, ensuring that patients are seen not as cases to manage but as people with the right to make their own decisions. When patients are given choices, and their voices are heard, they are more likely to engage in their care and achieve better results. 

Health care works best when providers work together. Seamless coordination between doctors, specialists, and other caregivers leads to better treatment plans, fewer errors, and a smoother patient experience.  

This reflects the principle of bottom-up solutions, where those closest to a problem — patients and their care teams — are best equipped to find solutions that work. A decentralized, well-connected system empowers both patients and providers to navigate complex health challenges more effectively. 

Knowledge is power. When patients understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and preventative care strategies, they can make informed choices that improve their well-being. In an open system, information flows freely, allowing patients and families to access the knowledge they need. This openness ensures that patients are not left in the dark but instead given the resources to take ownership of their health.

No one should navigate health challenges alone. Involving family and friends in decision-making can improve support networks and outcomes. This ensures that patients receive more personalized, compassionate care when caregivers and loved ones are included in the process. A system that recognizes the role of community in health care helps individuals feel more connected and supported on their health journey. 

Health care doesn’t end when a patient leaves the hospital or doctor’s office. Effective transition planning ensures that patients continue to receive the care they need across different settings, whether at home, in rehabilitation, or through follow-up visits.  

A patient-centered model acknowledges that long-term well-being requires consistent support, ensuring individuals can maintain their progress without unnecessary setbacks. 

The best health care system is one that people can actually use. When patients struggle to see a provider due to cost, location, or limited appointment availability, their health suffers.  

A patient-centered approach breaks down these barriers, ensuring care is available when and where it is needed.  

One-on-one examples of patient-centered health care

The future of health care depends on personalized solutions that adapt to each patient's unique needs. As technology advances and patient expectations shift, one-size-fits-all approaches will no longer be enough. A truly effective system must focus on individualized care, ensuring that every person receives treatment that aligns with their values, preferences, and circumstances. 

Implementing patient-centered care requires real-world changes that prioritize individual needs. Here are a few examples: 

A future built on patient-centered health care 

A health care system designed around the individual leads to better outcomes, stronger communities, and greater innovation. Patient-centered care creates a model where health care works for everyone by empowering people with knowledge, choice, and access. When individuals are treated as active participants in their own health journey, they are better positioned to thrive — not just as patients, but as people. 

The Stand Together community partners with changemakers who are tackling the root causes of America’s biggest problems.  

Learn more about Stand Together’s health care efforts and explore ways you can partner with us.