What principle does patient-centered care emphasize?

Patient-centered care emphasizes individual patient involvement in care decisions, recognizing that each patient has unique preferences, needs, and values that should guide their care. This approach fosters a partnership between healthcare providers and patients, allowing patients to participate actively in their treatment plans and decisions related to their health. By prioritizing the patient's perspective, healthcare providers can deliver more personalized care that aligns with what the patient wishes, thereby improving satisfaction and outcomes.

This principle stands in contrast to other aspects like administrative efficiency or uniform treatment approaches, where the focus may be more on the systems and processes within healthcare rather than on the individual needs of patients. Additionally, while reducing the duration of hospital stays can be beneficial, it does not inherently address the involvement of patients in their own care decisions or focus on their individual preferences.