How can you ensure that your problem-solving is patient-centered?

1 Understand the problem from the patient's perspective

Before you jump into finding solutions, you need to understand the problem from the patient's perspective. This means listening actively and empathically to the patient's concerns, asking open-ended questions, and clarifying any misunderstandings. It also means acknowledging the patient's emotions, values, and preferences, and how they affect their perception of the problem. By understanding the problem from the patient's perspective, you can avoid imposing your own judgments, assumptions, or solutions that may not be appropriate or acceptable for the patient.

2 Involve the patient in the problem-solving process

Patient-centered problem-solving is not something that you do for the patient, but with the patient. This means involving the patient in the problem-solving process as much as possible, depending on their level of interest, ability, and readiness. You can do this by asking the patient for their ideas, opinions, and feedback, exploring their goals and expectations, and offering them choices and options. You can also help the patient identify and overcome any barriers or challenges that may prevent them from participating in the problem-solving process, such as fear, lack of confidence, or limited resources.

3 Use evidence-based and ethical strategies

Patient-centered problem-solving does not mean that you ignore or disregard the best available evidence or the ethical standards of your profession. On the contrary, you need to use evidence-based and ethical strategies to inform and guide your problem-solving process. This means that you need to research and evaluate the quality and relevance of the information and resources that you use, and that you respect the laws, regulations, and policies that apply to your practice. It also means that you need to balance the evidence and the ethics with the patient's preferences and values, and that you explain and justify your decisions and actions to the patient in a clear and honest way.

4 Evaluate and monitor the outcomes

Patient-centered problem-solving does not end when you implement a solution. You also need to evaluate and monitor the outcomes of your problem-solving process, and make adjustments as needed. This means that you need to measure and document the results of your problem-solving process, using both objective and subjective indicators, such as data, feedback, and satisfaction. It also means that you need to follow up with the patient regularly, and check if they are happy and comfortable with the solution, if they have any concerns or questions, and if they need any further support or assistance.

5 Reflect and learn from your experience

Patient-centered problem-solving is a continuous learning process, that can help you improve your skills and knowledge as a patient advocate. This means that you need to reflect and learn from your experience, and identify what worked well and what did not, and why. It also means that you need to seek and receive feedback from others, such as your colleagues, supervisors, or mentors, and use it to enhance your problem-solving performance. By reflecting and learning from your experience, you can develop a more patient-centered mindset, attitude, and behavior, and become a more effective and compassionate patient advocate.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?