Medicosnext
Patient-centered care (PCC) refers to healthcare system that honors and responds to patients’ preferences. Back in 2001, the National Academy of Medicine (former IOM) in the United States identified that PCC is a critical goal for advancing healthcare in the twenty-first century. Extensive implementation of PCC has been linked to improved health outcomes, strengthened provider-patient relationships, increased patient satisfaction, and improved adherence to treatment. It has become evident that PCC delivers significant benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare organizations alike.
Patients often need to endure not just the burden of their illnesses but also the complexities of their treatment. Often when a family member falls ill, the whole family’s life is affected. Unfortunately, in Nepal, the burden of disease is felt gravely — families along with the patient are found hopping around the country for doctors and specialists in hospital that all follow their own system. We unfortunately have healthcare system that requires our patients to adjust around the system. In reality, what is needed is a system that revolves around the patient. A system that keeps patient-first.
Patient-first approach
Worldwide, there is a growing movement to make compassion a keystone in healthcare as an antidote to the Western emphasis on clinical detachment and objectivity. Especially with the advancement of technology, “the technical quality of clinical care might be excellent but the human needs and emotional experience of the patient and family are often neglected.”
In a patient-first approach, the focus shifts from service provision to the individual receiving care. This approach recognizes that each individual has their own unique need, preferences, and goal that must be respected and integrated into a singular, comprehensive care plan. Patient-centered care is one of the cornerstones of a patient-first approach, aiming to treat an entire being rather than merely addressing specific symptoms or diseases. In this model, healthcare providers consider the individual’s emotional, social, and psychological needs in addition to their physical conditions. This patient centered care leaves patients feeling happier and more satisfied, which in turn may allow them to heal more quickly.
This approach requires all stakeholders involved in the patient’s care, from the pharmacy, physicians, physiotherapists, and care coordinators, to be on board together rather than operate independently. This strengthens communication, builds trust, yields rich data for making informed decision, and overall improves the patient’s treatment experience. Most importantly, it ensures that there are no treatment gaps, from when the treatment begins, to its completion.
Putting patients first also impasses making treatment convenient for the patient. This may require altering services to allow direct access to certain resources. For example, allowing follow-up visits with the same specialists without needing a new referral from their physician, streamlines care and reduces unnecessary steps. As of late, the Government of Nepal has introduced this in its health insurance plan to reduce the burden for patients.
Patient first approach & Nursing
Nursing has long championed the patient-first approach, embodying the principles of patient-centered care well before it became a widespread movement in healthcare. Nurses, often at the forefront of patient interaction, have a unique and intimate understanding of patients’ needs, preferences, and experiences. Their holistic approach to care emphasizes not just the physical aspects of healing but also the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of patients. By advocating for patient autonomy, providing personalized care, and ensuring clear communication, nurses foster an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered. The nursing profession’s early adoption and persistent advocacy of this approach have significantly shaped the broader healthcare landscape, ensuring that patient-centered care remains a fundamental priority.
Core principles of patient-centered care and their importance:
| Core Principle | Description |
| Respect for Patients’ Values, Preferences, and Needs | Understanding and honoring the unique needs, preferences, and values of each patient. |
| Coordination and Integration of Care | Ensuring seamless coordination among other healthcare providers and services to improve patient experience. |
| Information, Communication, and Education | Providing clear and understandable information to patients, fostering communication, & empowering patients through education. |
| Physical Comfort | Addressing physical comfort needs, including pain management and optimizing environmental conditions for patient well-being. |
| Emotional Support | Recognizing and addressing patients’ emotional needs, providing mental health support when necessary. |
| Involvement of Family and Friends | Engaging and involving family members and friends in the patient’s care and recovery process. |
| Access to Care | Ensuring patients have timely access to healthcare services and resources as needed. |
Neuro Hospital’s Motto: Putting Patients First
Even today, six years after his passing, the corridors of Neuro Hospital Bansbari still echo the ethos of “Patient First” — a testament to the vision of its late founder, Prof. Dr Upendra Devkota. The father of modern neurosurgery in Nepal, Prof. Devkota dedicated his life to his patients, and his principles continue to guide the hospital’s mission and values. Even during his tenure as a neurosurgeon in the UK, he was resolute in his decision to return to his homeland, despite opportunities abroad. He was driven by a singular mission: to provide world-class medical care to his people.
This ethos is the cornerstone of Neuro Hospital’s motto, “Patient First.” This philosophy is not just a slogan but a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of the hospital’s management and operations. Every decision, from selecting the right doctor to treat a specific condition to investing in the most affordable and effective equipment, is made with the patient’s welfare in mind. These specialized and technically advanced services are provided by a caring and compassionate team, trained and nurtured by Professor Devkota himself.
We provide comprehensive treatment through a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventionists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, and more. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan, addressing every aspect of the patient’s condition. By integrating expertise from all relevant specialties, we deliver personalized care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of their health. Over the last eighteen years, our name and logo have evolved, but our motto has remained constant, firmly attached to each design. This dedication ensures that the needs and well-being of patients are always our top priority. It ensures that every action taken by the hospital aims to benefit the patient.
“Patient First” is more than just a commitment to high-quality care; it is about protecting the health and safety of those who have entrusted their care with us. This philosophy reflects a profound commitment to ethical medical practice, a reflection of Prof. Devkota’s high moral standards. This continues to radiate throughout the entire Neuro Hospital team, from our doctors, nurses, diagnostic teams, and management to housekeeping and security. In an era where healthcare can often feel impersonal, fragmented, and procedural, we aim to maintain a human touch, putting patients at the heart of our mission.
Conclusion
Implementing a patient-first approach requires healthcare system to reorient their focus towards the patient as the central figure in healthcare delivery. This holistic approach not only fosters deeper provider-patient relationships but also empowers patients to actively engage in their treatment decisions, leading to greater satisfaction and improved health outcomes. In essence, embracing a patient-first ethos not only enhances the quality of care delivery but also upholds the fundamental principles of empathy, respect, and dignity in healthcare provision.
Manjari Devkota
Manjari works at Upendra Devkota Memorial, National Institute of Neurological and Allied and Sciences as an Operations Associate. She is also a founder trustee of Upendra Devkota Foundation. A graduate of Rollins College U.S.A with a degree in Global Health and Sociology, she has now found her passion in hospital operations and management.
