Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the term for the overall focus on providing services and products that benefit patient care?

1. Patient-centered care

2. Outcome-based care

3. Risk management

4. Clinical efficiency

The correct answer is: Patient-centered care

Patient-centered care is a term that encapsulates the overall focus on delivering services and products that prioritize the needs, preferences, and values of patients. This approach emphasizes the importance of involving patients in their own care decisions, understanding their experiences and context, and tailoring services to enhance their overall well-being. The essence of patient-centered care is to ensure that patients receive not just medical treatment, but a holistic approach that considers their emotional, psychological, and social needs. Healthcare providers are encouraged to communicate effectively with patients, fostering a partnership that leads to improved satisfaction and health outcomes. While outcome-based care focuses on the results of healthcare interventions, and clinical efficiency pertains to optimizing healthcare processes to enhance service delivery, neither captures the broader goal of prioritizing patient experience and involvement in the care process as effectively as patient-centered care does. Risk management plays a different role, concentrating on identifying and mitigating potential risks in healthcare delivery rather than directly enhancing patient care.