What is Patient-Centered Care in Nursing? (With Examples, Key Principles, Importance, & Challenges)


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


If you are a nurse, you know that nurses play a vital role in patient care strategies and outcomes. While there are many theories and approaches to patient care, one approach has been shown to be most effective, and that is patient-centered care in nursing. While you may take your patient’s thoughts and feelings into consideration, do you wonder exactly, “What is patient-centered care in nursing?”

In this article, I will shed some light on the topic by explaining what patient-centered nursing care is, telling you why it is important, and sharing examples of how to implement patient-centered care and overcome challenges. By following the examples and key principles in this article, you can make a significant difference in the lives of your patients and their loved ones and improve patient outcomes.



What Exactly is Patient-Centered Care in Nursing?


According to The Essentials, published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, patient-centered care in nursing focuses on the individual patient within the many contexts of his being. Patient-centered care is the philosophy or approach to patient care that takes a patient's individual wants, needs, beliefs, and values into consideration. Patient-centered nursing care involves a holistic approach that involves showing empathy, compassion, and respect for a patient’s wishes and responding to their needs appropriately based on those wishes.



5 Reasons Why Patient-Centered Care is Important in Nursing


I have been a nurse for many years and, as such, have heard and seen many approaches to nursing care. One of the most effective approaches is patient-centered care. The following are five reasons why patient-centered care is important in nursing.

Reason #1: Improved Patient Outcomes

Through my years of nursing, I learned that when we make decisions based on a patient's individual needs and involve them in their care, the likelihood of them being compliant with a treatment regimen is good. Patients who follow prescribed treatment plans usually have better immediate and long-term results. Therefore, one of the main reasons patient-centered care in nursing is essential is that it results in improved patient outcomes.

Reason #2: Patient-Centered Care Promotes Strong Nurse-Patient Relationships

Patient-centered care in nursing is used to establish a therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. Therapeutic relationships promote rapport, trust, communication, and understanding. Strong nurse-patient relationships are associated with a better understanding of patient needs, increased patient satisfaction rates, and improved health outcomes.

For example, I once worked in a long-term care facility. One of the residents there seemed to become easily angry or frustrated when new orders for care were given or if things in her schedule changed. By taking a proactive approach and involving her in decisions, she seemed happier. Keep in mind that even the small things that may not seem like much to you or me could mean the world to a patient who feels they have lost control over their lives.

Reason #3: Patient-Centered Care Helps Reduce Healthcare Costs

Patient-centered nursing care emphasizes individual patient needs and preferences. Because patients have more say about what procedures or treatments they receive, unnecessary or unwanted treatments are often avoided, resulting in reduced healthcare costs. The benefit of reduced healthcare costs impacts not only patients but healthcare organizations and providers as well.

Reason #4: Patient-Centered Nursing Care Empowers Patients

One of the top reasons patient-centered care in nursing is important is because it puts the patient in charge of their health and outcomes. By focusing on a patient's individual wants, needs, and expectations, we can not only develop care plans tailored specifically to them but also give them decision-making power. Patients who feel they have control over decisions being made about their health are happier with care and more likely to follow prescribed treatment plans, which typically results in improved health outcomes.

Reason #5: Increased Patient Satisfaction Scores

Taking a patient-centered approach to nursing care benefits not only patients but also nurses and healthcare organizations. Patients who receive care that is centered around their wants and needs and that takes into consideration their values and beliefs tend to be more satisfied with the care they receive. While patient satisfaction increases compliance and improves outcomes, it also impacts nurses and other providers. Hospitals and other healthcare organizations often receive grants and other funding based on patient satisfaction scores, and one way to ensure their satisfaction is to keep them involved with a patient-centered approach.



8 Key Principles of Patient-Centered Care in Nursing


Providing patient-centered care in nursing requires being intentional about your approach. By implementing fundamental principles, you can provide high-quality, patient-centered care that results in better patient, nursing, and professional outcomes. The following are eight key principles of patient centered nursing care.

Principle #1: Respect for Patient Values, Preferences, and Expressed Needs

A significant factor in providing effective patient-centered care is respect. I cannot stress enough how important it is to begin building respect from your first encounter with your patients. In your first encounter, you will perform an initial assessment. It is during this time that you should be open to listening to your patients and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, values, needs, and preferences for care. Learning what is important to your patients and respecting those things by working to see their wants and needs are met are two of the most important principles of patient-centered care in nursing.

Principle #2: Coordination and Integration of Care

Another key principle in patient-centered nursing care involves multidisciplinary collaboration. While talking with each member of the interdisciplinary team may not be possible, there are ways to make care coordination and integration with all team members possible. One thing I suggest is to work with one member of each discipline to include patient-centered care in the care plan. If members of each discipline provide care work together, you can create a care plan that is individualized to the patient and includes services of each discipline, making the approach more patient-centered.

Principle #3: Create Patient Awareness by Informing, Communicating, and Educating

The third principle of patient-centered care in nursing involves creating a sense of awareness for the patient. We inform patients by providing them with essential information and encouraging open communication. Through effective communication, we educate patients.

One strategy I have found effective when implementing this principle is to ask open-ended questions. Asking open-ended questions helps engage patients, encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings, and supports their involvement in shared decision-making.

For example, I once cared for a patient who seemed to never have anything to add to our discussions. It often seemed like he was content with whatever decisions the care team made on his behalf, but that was not patient-centered care. I took the approach of asking open-ended questions, which require more than a yes or no answer, to encourage his involvement in the care. Although it took some prompting at first, he became more comfortable sharing his thoughts and feelings, which made it easier to provide care to him.

Principle #4: Physical Comfort

Another key principle in patient-centered care is to provide an environment that promotes feelings of physical comfort. When patients feel comfortable, they are more likely to engage in communicating with you and become involved in decision-making regarding their care. Remove distractions by turning the television off or muting it, close the door or pull the privacy curtain, and ask what you can do to help them feel comfortable.

Several years ago, I took a nasty fall down some steps and tore my ACL. While I was in the emergency room waiting to be seen, I was moved to a side hall outside the main emergency department. One of the nurses propped the door to the emergency department open, and I could see several patients lying on beds with their privacy curtains wide open. I remember thinking how I did not want to be in an open room where everyone could see me and possibly hear everything I said to the doctors or nurses.

We must approach patient-centered care with the same courtesy that we expect from providers when we are patients. Simple steps such as providing for privacy or asking direct questions about what makes your patient comfortable can make a big difference in their response to care.

Principle #5: Emotional Support and Alleviation of Fear and Anxiety

I do not know about you, but when I feel emotionally unbalanced or experience fear and anxiety, it is difficult to concentrate. Important decisions become challenging for me when I feel like that. Patients who are sick, hurt, or afraid face the same challenges. As nurses, it is our responsibility to promote emotional support for our patients and alleviate fear and anxiety. You can do this by taking your time and allowing your patients to voice their thoughts and feelings and showing empathy and compassion for what they are experiencing.

Principle #6: Involvement of Family and Friends

In most cases, there is no bond stronger or influence greater than the ones we experience with family and friends. Because family and friends are so important, nurses should involve the people in a patient's circle in their care if the patient gives permission. Involving the people who are most important to patients not only helps the patient, but also gives their family and friends a sense of feeling they can make a difference for their loved ones. Additionally, when loved ones become actively involved in patient care, patients are more at ease, which helps improve patient health outcomes.

Principle #7: Transition and Continuity of Care

I understand what it is like to have several patients to care for during one shift and the feeling of rushing to get a patient discharged or transferred to another unit or facility. One thing I learned through the years is that during the transition phase of patient care, we can make or break a nurse-patient relationship and impact patient outcomes.

Many patients, especially the elderly or those who are chronically ill, express concern about whether they can provide good self-care after discharge from the hospital or other healthcare facilities. One way to implement patient-centered care in nursing is to follow the principle focused on transition and continuity of care. You can do this by providing detailed information and education to patients regarding dietary needs, medications, and other health maintenance interventions, coordinating ongoing care after the patient is discharged from your care, and providing information about resources the patient can access to find social, financial, clinical, mental, and physical support following discharge.

Principle #8: Access to Care

If there is anything I have heard patients consistently say that is of utmost importance to them, it is access to care. No wonder access to care is listed as one of the main principles of patient-centered care in nursing. Access to care means having access to locations where care is provided, such as hospitals, doctors' offices, and mental health clinics. Access to care also means ensuring easy scheduling, transportation to and from appointments, and help or guidance in ensuring access to services when continuity and transition of care are required.



What are the Most Common Examples of Patient-Centered Care in Nursing?

(The following are the 10 most common examples of how nurses can implement patient-centered care in nursing.)

Example #1: Creating Care Plans Based on the Patient’s Individual Needs

Developing and implementing care plans are essential parts of a nurse's role in patient care. While there are resources available to help guide you in creating care plans, it is crucial to consider your patient's individual needs and build the plan around them instead of using a "cookie cutter" template and plugging a patient's name into it. Having been a nurse for many years, I understand that healthcare facilities may have care plans in place to use for patients with a specific diagnosis. While it is okay to use them if that is your facility's protocol, it is still your job to ensure that interventions and goals align with your patient's individual needs.

Example #2: Promoting Care Coordination within the Interdisciplinary Team

If I could suggest doing one thing that truly demonstrates patient-centered care in nursing, I would tell you to collaborate with your patient's interdisciplinary team. Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans keeps the focus entirely on the patient by addressing individual needs and preferences. When you coordinate care, you can develop a proactive plan that addresses all aspects of the patient's health situation, aligns resources to help meet their needs, and promotes safe transitions in care.

Example #3: Demonstrating Cultural Competence

I believe one of the most important things we can do for our patients is to demonstrate cultural competence in nursing. Cultural competence in nursing is described as your ability to understand and respect the beliefs, values, and attitudes of your patients. Cultural competence is person-oriented, which makes it a vital component of patient-centered care in nursing.

Example #4: Respecting the Patient’s Right to Decide About Their Care

As someone who likes to fix things, I used to struggle with how a person could refuse treatment or care if it could make their lives better. It took facing some health issues of my own to fully understand and appreciate a patient’s right to choose, and I am thankful for those experiences.

Patient-centered care in nursing requires us to take ourselves out of the equation and focus on what the patient wants, no matter how justified we feel in our opinions. When we listen to our patients and respect their right to make decisions about their care, it typically results in stronger nurse-patient relationships, which are crucial in promoting positive patient outcomes.

Example #5: Including the Patient in Care Collaboration

Another example of patient-centered nursing care is including the patient in the collaborative process of planning and implementing care. When I worked in a clinical role, I had to come to the realization that no matter how many years of experience I had as a nurse or how much I thought I knew, no one knew my patients better than they knew themselves. That is not to say that our education and experiences do not matter because they do. However, if we fail to consider what our patients feel, think, and want, we are doing them and ourselves an injustice. By including patients in care collaboration, we demonstrate genuine interest and respect for their wishes and expectations, keeping the focus on them.

Example #6: Providing a Safe Care Environment

Something that should be of utmost importance to all nurses is providing care that improves patient outcomes, and one way to do that is by providing a safe care environment. A safe care environment involves more than having a safe physical environment. Providing a safe care environment also means creating a stress-free, calm environment where your patients feel free to discuss concerns or problems without fear of judgment. Promoting safety and security in the patient care environment is an excellent way to demonstrate patient-centered care in nursing.

Example #7: Educating Patients to Promote Independence

Another example of patient-centered nursing is promoting independence by educating patients. Educating patients about their diagnoses, treatments, and expected outcomes empowers them to take an independent, active role in their care. Encouraging independence helps take the focus off the nurse and what we can provide and directs it toward the patient. According to the American Nurses Association, “patient-centered care that promotes independence and ongoing engagement correlates to improved health outcomes.”

Example #8: Show Empathy

As nurses, understanding and being sensitive to our patient’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences is how we show empathy. Empathy is an essential component of patient-centered care in nursing because it puts the focus on the patient’s individual preferences, needs, values, and health goals. Empathy in nursing is important because it promotes therapeutic communication, strong nurse/patient relationships, and improved patient outcomes.

Example #9: Seek Ways to Improve Quality of Care

As consumers, it is natural for patients to expect to receive quality patient care. As nurses, we can promote a patient-centered approach to care by actively seeking ways to improve healthcare quality and services. Whether you work to promote improved care quality in your local facility or on a broader scale, doing so is a perfect example of patient-centered care in nursing.

Example #10: Foster a Good Nurse-Patient Relationship

One of the most important steps in promoting patient-centered nursing care is to build a strong nurse-patient relationship. A solid nurse-patient relationship makes patients feel supported and safe, which leads to care compliance and improved patient outcomes. A good nurse-patient relationship is based on the components of trust, professional intimacy, respect, and empathy.



4 Major Challenges Nurses Face in the Implementation of Patient-Centered Care and How to Overcome


Any nurse can walk into a room, tell a patient what they need, and set unrealistic expectations. However, providing patient-centered care in nursing takes dedication and a willingness to see beyond yourself and into what is best for the patient while respecting their values, beliefs, and wants. As you work to promote patient-centered care, you will face challenges, and knowing how to overcome them is essential. The following are four major challenges nurses face in the implementation of patient-centered care and tips for how to overcome them.

Challenge #1: Too Many Patients, Not Enough Time


About the Challenge:

Because of a nationwide nursing shortage, nurses today are faced with heavy patient loads, which can make time seem like a scarce commodity. Consequently, nursing shortages and heavy workloads are some of the biggest challenges nurses face when implementing patient-centered care.

How to Overcome:

I understand how frustrating it feels when you have several patients who need you, and you feel pressed for time. When reducing your patient load is not an option, prioritizing care can help. Remember, patient-centered care in nursing does not mean only the nurse provides care, but it is a collaborative effort between you and the interdisciplinary team with the patient's needs as your focus.

To overcome this challenge, I recommend collaborating with team leaders to prioritize patients and delegating tasks to appropriate staff. Be sure to inform your patient of any decisions to delegate care to another staff member, explaining why you are delegating the task and assure them that you will follow up with them. By keeping the line of communication open with your patients, you solidify the nurse-patient bond and ensure the care you provide is patient-centered.


Challenge #2: Cultural Diversity


About the Challenge:

At times, even the most well-intentioned nurses and patients struggle with issues caused by cultural differences. Patient-centered care in nursing can be especially challenging when there are vast differences in the cultural beliefs and values of nurses and their patients.

How to Overcome:

Having been a nurse and healthcare educator for many years, I have experienced the challenges that sometimes arise because of differences in culture. However, I have learned that one of the most effective ways to overcome these challenges is to learn to communicate. Keep an open mind and practice active listening when communicating with your patients. Remember that you do not have to agree with your patient’s beliefs or choices to provide good nursing care, but you do need to be respectful and demonstrate cultural competence to be a good nurse.


Challenge #3: Lack of Resources


About the Challenge:

Depending on where you work and the patient population you serve, you could face challenges providing patient-centered care as a result of a lack of resources. Whether your organization lacks the budget to provide certain services or does not have enough supplies to provide care, it is difficult to provide patient-centered care when you do not have the necessary tools to do so.

How to Overcome:

It can be frustrating dealing with a lack of resources when trying to provide patient care. One way to help overcome this challenge is to prioritize patient care, ensuring patients with immediate and serious needs have access to necessary supplies and equipment. If you are a nurse leader or manager, consider work assignments that match client needs with the nurse’s professional competency, which reduces the need for unnecessary staff.


Challenge #4: Communication Barriers


About the Challenge:

Another common challenge to patient-centered care in nursing is barriers to communication. One example of a communication barrier is differences in language. If you have a patient who speaks a different language, it can result in misunderstanding. If patients do not understand what you say, it can lead to more confusion and lack of participation in their care and may negatively impact their health outcomes. Additionally, communication barriers occur when patients feel ignored or as though the nurse does not respect their wishes.

How to Overcome:

Effective communication is paramount to providing safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in nursing. Depending on the reason for the communication barrier, there are a few things you can do to overcome the challenge. First, if you have a patient whose language is different than yours, try to find a translator. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities have access to translators, and they can help reduce the risk of misunderstandings when it comes to patient education.

Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, using verbal and nonverbal cues, and avoiding interrupting your patients when they speak. Also, keep in mind that not all patients understand medical jargon. So, keep your language simple, avoid making assumptions about what the patient understands by asking open-ended questions, and encourage feedback.



My Final Thoughts


If you are a nurse, you know there are many theories about providing patient care. While there are several approaches to providing patient care, keeping patients at the center of every decision is crucial. Before reading this article, you may have wondered, “What is patient-centered care in nursing,” or questioned how to implement patient-centered care strategies. With the information from this article, you can take steps to strategically implement patient-centered care in nursing, overcome the challenges of patient-centered nursing, and promote positive nurse-patient relationships and health outcomes.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. Nurturing Trust in the Nurse-Patient Relationship (American Nurses Association/nursingworld.org)
2. The Essentials, Domain 2: Person-Centered Care (aacnnursing.org)
3. What is Cultural Competence in Nursing? (With Examples, Importance, & Barriers) (nursingprocess.org)
4. How Nurses Can Affect Positive Patient Outcomes (American Nurses Association)
5. What is Empathy in Nursing? (with Examples, Importance, & Challenges) (nursingprocess.org)
6. What is a Nurse-Patient Relationship (with Components, Phases, Importance, & How to Establish) (nursingprocess.org)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.