Have you ever heard the phrase, “person-centered care?” It’s become something of a buzzword in recent years. This terminology may have a nice ring to it (health care is meant to be people-focused, after all). But what does, “person-centered care” actually mean? In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to that question, and discuss how Avenue Women’s Center demonstrates essential characteristics of this effective and compassionate approach.
If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, and you’re not sure how to move forward, consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center! We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that offers free and confidential services like medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds. Avenue has been a trusted provider of no-cost pregnancy support in Chicagoland since 1981. Our expert pregnancy consultants and nurses are passionate about empowering women with the resources they need to make informed and autonomous decisions for abortion, adoption, or parenting.
Check out our webpage to learn more!
Person-Centered Care, Defined
CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) provides a comprehensive description of the phrase, “person-centered care”: “Integrated health care services delivered in a setting and manner that is responsive to individuals and their goals, values. and preferences, in a system that supports good provider–patient communication and empowers individuals receiving care and providers to make effective care plans together.” The first phrase in that definition, “integrated care,” refers to a medical care approach that focuses on the patient’s, “physical, mental, behavioral, and social needs” (CMS.gov).
Person-Centered Care at Avenue Women’s Center
Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic that focuses on meeting early pregnancy needs. Because our scope of services is limited and specialized, person-centered care at our clinics looks somewhat different than it would within a broader healthcare context. For example, we do not treat, “chronic and complex conditions” (CMS.gov). However, we embody several core principles of the person-centered approach as defined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- We concentrate on meeting clients’ holistic needs. When a person begins receiving our services, we ask about her physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual health in a way that fully respects her privacy. Our goal is to identify and meet her comprehensive needs as much as possible, referring her to outside services when appropriate. We genuinely care about her long-term outcomes for this pregnancy and other challenges that she’s facing. We strive to equip her with the tools she needs to make choices she can continue to feel confident in for years to come.
- The support we provide is highly, “responsive to individuals and their goals, values, and preferences.” We encourage clients to reflect on their own emotions, instincts, goals/desires, values, and deeply held beliefs, so they can evaluate which pregnancy outcomes would be best for them. We’re here to be a sounding board, a listening ear, an advocate, a supporter, and a source of unconditional emotional support.
- Strong “provider-patient communication” is extremely important to us. We communicate warmly, respectfully, and professionally. We follow up with individuals after their appointments, with complete respect for their privacy wishes and confidentiality.
- We empower clients to make their own best pregnancy plans in collaboration with our expert staff. We’re all about equipping individuals to make informed decisions with confidence and autonomy. Our services are designed to help a pregnant individual identify where she stands, so she can evaluate her next best steps. For example, what pregnancy options are available to her, and what are the processes and risks involved? What are the medical conditions of her pregnancy, and how do these conditions affect her options? What kinds of resources are open to her? The Avenue team respects women’s autonomy to make their own pregnancy decisions. We are a no-judgment zone!
- A woman’s health and safety are our team’s highest priorities. It’s as simple as that.
Avenue Women’s Center is fully committed to meeting every person who walks through our doors or reaches out virtually with the highest standards of compassionate care. When you connect with us, we promise you’ll be greeted warmly, provided with accurate and comprehensive information, and offered ongoing emotional support regardless of your pregnancy outcome. Avenue is a safe space where you can feel free to process your next steps knowledgeably and authentically.
Contact us to speak with an expert team member and schedule an appointment! We’re here to answer your questions.
_______________
Reference:
CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Person-Centered Care. Retrieved from: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.