New Book Highlights Importance of Patient-Centered Care
<p>Many have argued that to transform health care, physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers should redesign the system around what works for patients. Listening to patients, obtaining their feedback, and involving them in governance and care processes can help improve the quality and efficiency of care.<br><br>In <em>Lessons from Joan: Living and Loving With Cancer, A Husband's Story,</em> Eric R. Kingson, Ph.D., professor of social work and public administration at Syracuse University, shares his wife's experience with cancer and offers advice about how to deal with life-threatening illnesses. In a foreword to the book, Fund president Karen Davis, Ph.D., writes that Joan's experience with the health care system has lessons for us all.<br><br>"Medical, nursing and other health care professionals' training should emphasize the importance of listening and of engaging the family in care," Davis argues. And health purchasers need to find ways to "encourage and reward health care providers to take the time to engage the humanity of their patients and their families." Patients should have timely access to test results, and advocates to help them make decisions and navigate the system.<br><Br>To learn more about the book, visit the Syracuse University Press <a href="http://syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/fall-2005-catalog/lessons-joan.h… site.</a><br><br>For information about the Fund's work on patient-centered care and health system redesign, visit the <a href=" http://www.commonwealthfund.org/programs/programs_list.htm?attrib_id=11… Primary Care Initiative</a> page.</p>
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletters/ealerts/2005/sep/new-book-highlights-importance-of-patient-centered-care