Introduction
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, aligning patient care with individual priorities has become a cornerstone of effective practice. The research article "Guiding Post-Hospital Recovery by ‘What Matters:’ Implementation of Patient Priorities Identification in a VA Community Living Center" highlights the importance of this approach, particularly in settings like VA Community Living Centers (CLCs). This blog post explores how practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or by delving deeper into the subject.
Understanding Patient Priorities Care (PPC)
Patient Priorities Care (PPC) is an approach that emphasizes aligning healthcare with the goals derived from 'what matters' to the patient. The research conducted in a VA Community Living Center (CLC) demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of this approach. It involves a structured process where facilitators explore a patient's values and translate them into specific, actionable health outcome goals. This method not only clarifies care preferences but also aligns healthcare with these goals.
Implementing the HPI Process
The Health Priorities Identification (HPI) process is central to the PPC approach. It involves:
- Exploring patient values within four domains: connecting, enjoying life, managing health, and functioning.
- Translating these values into realistic health outcome goals.
- Identifying the most bothersome symptoms or healthcare tasks.
- Eliciting care preferences and determining the 'one thing' that most interferes with achieving health goals.
Implementing this process requires training and collaboration among healthcare professionals. The study highlights the success of training facilitators from diverse health professions, which can be replicated in other settings.
Benefits and Challenges
The study found that the HPI process is appropriate for CLC settings, benefiting patient care and fostering a person-centered approach. However, it also identified challenges such as staffing vacancies, cognitive impairments in patients, and resistance to cultural change. Overcoming these challenges requires intentional leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore how HPI encounters and documentation can inform care alignment and improve patient experiences. Additionally, investigating the impact of the HPI process on patient and family perceptions of care can provide deeper insights into its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Implementing the HPI process from the PPC approach is a feasible and impactful method for aligning care with patient priorities. Practitioners can enhance their skills by adopting this approach and contributing to a more person-centered healthcare system. For those interested in the detailed findings and methodology, the original research paper provides a comprehensive guide.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Guiding Post-Hospital Recovery by ‘What Matters:’ Implementation of Patient Priorities Identification in a VA Community Living Center.
