Because content in this area is still being developed, it is posted in "document" form — and these documents will be updated as the innovation work progresses.
The task of redesigning care to be more patient-centered is complex. Many organizations have contributed to the understanding of patient needs and new design in areas as varied as the physical environment and involving loved ones in the design and delivery of care.
IHI’s aim in this area is to articulate a complete framework of actionable changes that, if implemented, would lead to transformed care systems in which patients and families feel cared for, respected and involved, and where care providers are able to reconnect to the mission of patient care. These transformed health care systems will also perform better. Our measures of success will include patient willingness to recommend the care provider or facility to friends and family, increased patient satisfaction, and reduced costs.
To start, IHI is focusing its work in three areas that we believe will contribute to a complete framework for a patient-centered care health care system. Specifically, IHI will work to articulate changes that:
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Enable health care providers to reliably meet the needs and preferences of patients.
We believe that health care that is customized based on patient needs and preferences will make tremendous strides toward improving patient-provider relationships, sharing knowledge, and putting patients in control. Customization of care also helps to eliminate unwanted, unneeded, and wasteful services; and increase the effectiveness of care delivered.
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Enable fully informed, shared decision-making.
There is increasing evidence that patients and families who participate fully in care decisions help to improve the quality of medical decisions and reduce overuse of aggressive surgical treatments without worsening health outcomes. (Annette O’Connor)
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Include patients and their loved ones on health care improvement and design teams.
Doing so has transformed the improvement experience for the health care organizations that have embraced this challenge.
The content in this section provide an overview of IHI’s early work including changes, measures, and tools that are being tested.
