How can you integrate health promotion into patient-centered care?

1 Assess patient needs and goals

The first step to integrate health promotion into patient-centered care is to assess the patient's needs and goals. This means asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and using motivational interviewing techniques to elicit the patient's perspective and readiness for change. You can also use validated tools and scales to measure the patient's health literacy, self-efficacy, social support, and quality of life. By assessing the patient's needs and goals, you can tailor your interventions and recommendations to match their preferences and priorities.

2 Provide education and information

The second step to integrate health promotion into patient-centered care is to provide education and information. This means using clear, simple, and relevant language to explain the patient's condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes. You can also use visual aids, handouts, videos, and other resources to enhance the patient's understanding and recall. You can also use teach-back and ask-me-3 methods to check the patient's comprehension and address any gaps or misconceptions. By providing education and information, you can increase the patient's knowledge and confidence to manage their health.

3 Empower patient decision-making

The third step to integrate health promotion into patient-centered care is to empower patient decision-making. This means involving the patient in the planning and implementation of their care, and respecting their choices and autonomy. You can also use shared decision-making tools and aids to facilitate the patient's participation and collaboration with the health care team. You can also use goal-setting and action-planning techniques to help the patient identify and achieve their health goals. By empowering patient decision-making, you can enhance the patient's motivation and adherence to their care plan.

4 Support patient self-management

The fourth step to integrate health promotion into patient-centered care is to support patient self-management. This means providing ongoing support, feedback, and encouragement to the patient as they implement their care plan and cope with their condition. You can also use self-monitoring and self-management tools and apps to help the patient track and evaluate their progress and outcomes. You can also use coaching and counseling skills to help the patient overcome barriers and challenges, and celebrate successes and achievements. By supporting patient self-management, you can improve the patient's outcomes and satisfaction.

5 Connect patient to resources and services

The fifth step to integrate health promotion into patient-centered care is to connect the patient to resources and services. This means identifying and addressing the patient's social determinants of health, such as income, education, housing, transportation, and access to care. You can also use referral and navigation skills to link the patient to appropriate and available resources and services, such as community programs, support groups, financial assistance, and legal aid. You can also use follow-up and coordination skills to ensure the patient's continuity and coordination of care across settings and providers. By connecting the patient to resources and services, you can reduce the patient's health disparities and improve their health equity.