Compassion and Patient Centred Care

Background: The essence of medicine is a relationship based upon a concern for suffering. Western medicine, arising from a modernistic philosophy, has a tradition of paternalistic 'doctor centred' care. There are significant criticisms of this approach.

Objective: Drawing on postmodern perspectives, this article discusses the nature of patient centred care. Patient centred care requires a reconciliation of the patient's and doctor's agenda via attention to communication, power and patient autonomy. Patient centred care has been defined by six domains: the illness experience, the context, finding common ground, partnership, health promotion, and consultation limitations.

Discussion: Patients strongly desire patient centred care. It has been associated with improved patient and doctor satisfaction, greater compliance, fewer investigations, referrals and malpractice complaints, and no change in consultation time. Patient centred care exerts a positive influence on health outcomes and is especially applicable in general practice, providing an efficacious and compassionate response to suffering.