St.

Lawrence College

HLTH 2000

Health Care Operations

Professor Alison Naimool

Summer 2024

Reflection Assignment 2: "Evaluating the Impact of the Person-Partnered

Care (PPC) Framework on Healthcare Delivery: A Reflection on the
Canadian Healthcare System"

Rishu Gautam
Title: "Evaluating the Impact of the Person-Partnered Care (PPC) Framework on Healthcare
Delivery: A Reflection on the Canadian Healthcare System"

Introduction and Overview

The Person-Partnered Care (PPC) Framework is a new approach in healthcare that focuses on working
together with patients. It aims to involve patients in their own care, considering their preferences and
needs. This method helps to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. In this reflection, I will
discuss the importance of PPC and my personal thoughts regarding its significance, implementation
strategies and challenges of this framework in Canada.

Significance of Person-Partnered Care

Patient-Centered Approach

PPC puts the patient at the center of care. This means healthcare providers listen to what patients want
and need, making patients happier with their care and more involved in their health decisions (Institute for
Patient- and Family-Centered Care, 2020). When patients are active participants in their care, they follow
treatment plans better and have improved health results.

Better Health Outcomes

Studies show that PPC leads to better health outcomes. Patients experience fewer hospital readmissions
and manage chronic diseases better (Barry & Edgman-Levitan, 2012). This is because PPC considers the
whole person, including their emotional and social needs, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all
aspects of a patient's well-being.

Cost Savings

PPC can also save money. When patients are involved in their care, they use fewer expensive emergency
services and hospital stays. This not only benefits patients but also reduces costs for the healthcare system
(Hibbard et al., 2013). By engaging patients in their care, the healthcare system becomes more efficient
and cost-effective, ultimately improving the sustainability of healthcare services

Enhanced Communication

PPC improves communication between healthcare providers and patients. Clear and open communication
helps build trust, which is essential for effective care. When patients feel heard and understood, they are
more likely to share important information about their health, leading to better diagnosis and treatment
(Epstein & Street, 2011).

Personalized Care Plans

With PPC, care plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. This personalization ensures
that treatment plans are more effective and aligned with the patient’s lifestyle and preferences.
Personalized care can lead to better adherence to treatment and improved health outcomes (Hibbard et al.,
2013).

Increased Patient Safety

Engaging patients in their care can enhance patient safety. Patients who are actively involved are more
likely to notice and report potential errors or complications. This collaborative approach helps prevent
medical errors and ensures that care is delivered safely (Hibbard et al., 2013).

Emotional Support

PPC provides emotional support to patients, which is crucial for their overall well-being. When patients
feel supported and understood by their healthcare providers, it can reduce anxiety and stress related to
their medical conditions. Emotional support is an integral part of holistic care (Epstein & Street, 2011).

Empowerment and Self-Management

PPC empowers patients by giving them the knowledge and confidence to manage their own health. When
patients are educated about their conditions and involved in decision-making, they are more likely to take
an active role in their care. This empowerment leads to better self-management and health outcomes
(Hibbard & Greene, 2013).

Better Coordination of Care

PPC promotes better coordination of care among healthcare providers. When patients are involved, they
help ensure that all their healthcare providers are on the same page. This coordinated approach reduces
the risk of fragmented care and improves the overall quality of care (Epstein & Street, 2011).

Satisfaction and Trust

PPC increases patient satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system. When patients feel respected and
valued, they are more satisfied with their care and more likely to trust their healthcare providers. High
levels of satisfaction and trust can lead to better patient retention and continuity of care (Epstein & Street,
2011).

Implementation Strategies

Education and Training

Healthcare providers need training in communication and teamwork to implement PPC. They must learn
to listen to patients, explain medical information clearly, and involve patients in decisions. Training
programs and workshops can help providers develop these skills.
Multidisciplinary Teams

Creating teams of different healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists,
is key. These teams work together to provide complete care. This ensures all aspects of a patient's health
are covered (Dixon et al., 2017).

Use of Patient Feedback

Regularly collecting and using patient feedback is another effective strategy. This can be done through
surveys, suggestion boxes, or focus groups. For example, a hospital could implement a quarterly patient
satisfaction survey to gather insights on patient experiences and identify areas for improvement. The
feedback can be used to adjust care practices and improve patient-centeredness. Implementing patient
advisory councils, where patients and families meet with healthcare leaders to discuss their experiences
and provide suggestions, is also a practical approach (Dixon et al, 2017).

Integration of Health Information Technology

Integrating health information technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals,
can facilitate PPC. EHRs allow for seamless sharing of patient information among healthcare providers,
ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care. Patient portals give patients access to their medical
records, test results, and appointment schedules, empowering them to take an active role in their care. For
instance, a clinic could implement an EHR system that allows patients to view their lab results online and
communicate securely with their healthcare team, enhancing transparency and engagement. In fact, this
system has been adopted by many European countries like Norway and it have ranked at the top in their
healthcare performance.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Patients need knowledge and tools to manage their health. This includes educational materials, support
groups, and online resources. When patients understand their conditions and treatment options, they make
better decisions about their care (Coulter & Ellins, 2007). Therefore, this strategy can result in paradigm
shift in implementing Person-partnered care framework in healthcare in Canada.

Challenges and Barriers

Resistance to Change

A major challenge in implementing PPC is resistance to change. Some healthcare providers are used to
traditional care models and may find difficult to adopt new approaches. Overcoming this resistance
requires ongoing education and support from leaders.

Existing Variability in Implementation

PPC implementation can vary across different provincial healthcare settings. Factors like organizational
culture, resources, and patient populations affect how well PPC works. It is important to adapt PPC
strategies to the specific needs of each organization and community (Luxford et al., 2011).

Limited Resources

Implementing PPC needs investment in training, technology, and infrastructure. Some healthcare
organizations, especially in rural or underserved areas in Canada, may lack these resources. Finding ways
to overcome these limitations is essential for widespread PPC adoption (Ginsburg, 2008).

Personal Reflection as a Future Healthcare Administrator in Ontario, Canada

I see the critical importance of partnering with patients and families in Canada. The PPC framework
aligns with my vision of a healthcare system that is responsive, compassionate, and patient-centered.

Importance of Patient and Family Partnerships

Partnering with patients and families is crucial for high-quality care. Patients and families provide
valuable information that can improve care planning and delivery. This partnership ensures that care
meets the unique needs of each patient. For example, a family member might notice changes in a patient's
condition that the healthcare team missed, providing critical information that could lead to a better
treatment plan. By involving patients and families, we can create more effective and personalized care
strategies.

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction

Involving patients and families in care decisions can significantly enhance patient satisfaction. When
patients feel heard and respected, they trust their healthcare providers more and engage in their treatment
plans. This leads to better health outcomes and a positive healthcare experience. For instance, if a patient
is involved in choosing their treatment options, they are more likely to follow through with the plan
because they understand and agree with it. This engagement helps build a strong, trusting relationship
between patients and providers.

Building a Culture of Compassion

As a healthcare administrator, I am committed to creating a compassionate culture in my organization.

This means encouraging healthcare providers to listen to patients, understand their needs, and respond
with empathy. By prioritizing patient and family partnerships, we can create a more supportive healthcare
system. For example, training sessions for staff on active listening and empathy can make a big
difference. When healthcare providers take the time to truly listen to patients' concerns, it shows that they
care, fostering a more compassionate environment.

`Improving Health Literacy

Another important aspect of PPC is improving health literacy. By ensuring that patients and families
understand their health conditions and treatment options, we empower them to make informed decisions.
For example, providing easy-to-understand educational materials or holding informational sessions can
help patients grasp complex medical information. This knowledge enables them to take a more active role
in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes and increased satisfaction.

Encouraging Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision-making is a key component of PPC. This process involves patients and healthcare
providers working together to make decisions about the patient’s care. For example, if a patient is
diagnosed with a chronic illness, they might discuss various treatment options with their doctor, weighing
the pros and cons of each. This collaborative approach ensures that the patient's values and preferences
are considered, leading to more tailored and acceptable treatment plans.

Supporting Continuity of Care

Partnering with patients and families also supports continuity of care. When patients and their families are
involved in the care process, they can help ensure that there is a seamless transition between different
healthcare providers and settings. For instance, if a patient is discharged from the hospital, their family
can help coordinate follow-up appointments and manage medications, reducing the risk of readmission.

Promoting Patient Advocacy

Encouraging patients and families to advocate for themselves is another benefit of PPC. When patients
feel confident in speaking up about their needs and preferences, it leads to better communication and
more personalized care. For example, a patient might feel more comfortable discussing side effects of a
medication with their doctor, leading to adjustments that improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

The Person-Partnered Care (PPC) Framework is a transformative approach that highlights patient
engagement, collaboration, and personalized care. Although there are challenges in implementation, the
benefits of PPC, such as improved health outcomes, cost savings, and enhanced patient satisfaction, make
it worth and a valuable approach. As a future healthcare administrator in Ontario, I am dedicated to
promoting PPC principles and fostering strong partnerships with patients and families. This will help
create a healthcare system that truly responds to the needs of those it serves.
References

 People-Centred Care Program - Accreditation Canada. (2024, May 10). Accreditation Canada.
https://accreditation.ca/assessment-programs/people-centred-care-program/
 Baker, R., Denis, J. L., Pomey, M. P., & MacIntosh-Murray, A. (2008). Effective governance for
quality and patient safety in Canadian healthcare organizations. Canadian Health Services
Research Foundation. https://www.cfhi-fcass.ca/SearchResultsNews/08-10-01/58ab38c4-cf28-
4d54-8092-6ae0d8c3cc8d.aspx
 Barry, M. J., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2012). Shared decision making—the pinnacle of patient-
centered care. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(9), 780-781.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1109283
 Charmel, P. A., & Frampton, S. B. (2008). Building the business case for patient-centered care.
Healthcare Financial Management, 62(3), 80-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18494483/
 Coulter, A., & Ellins, J. (2007). Effectiveness of strategies for informing, educating, and
involving patients. BMJ, 335(7609), 24-27. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39246.581169.80
 Dixon, A., Robertson, R., Bal, R., & Jones, B. (2017). The experience of implementing choice at
point of referral: a comparison of the Netherlands and England. Health Economics, Policy and
Law, 12(3), 405-423. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744133116000487
 Ginsburg, P. B. (2008). High and rising health care costs: Demystifying US health care spending.
The Synthesis Project, 16, 1-12.
https://www.nihcr.org/analysis/improving-care/efficiency-costs/high-rising-healthcare-costs/
 Hibbard, J. H., Greene, J., & Overton, V. (2013). Patients with lower activation associated with
higher costs; delivery systems should know their patients’ ‘scores’. Health Affairs, 32(2), 216-
222. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1064
 Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care. (2020). Advancing the practice of patient- and
family-centered care. Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care.
https://www.ipfcc.org/bestpractices/sustainablepartnerships.html
 Luxford, K., Safran, D. G., & Delbanco, T. (2011). Promoting patient-centered care: a qualitative
study of facilitators and barriers in healthcare organizations with a reputation for improving the
patient experience. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 23(5), 510-515.
https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzr024
 Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (Revised edition). University
Press of Colorado. https://upcolorado.com/university-press-of-colorado/item/2314-nursing