How is "patient-centered care" defined in healthcare operations?

Patient-centered care is defined as an approach that emphasizes patient involvement in their own healthcare decisions and experiences. This model recognizes that patients are not just passive recipients of care, but active participants who possess valuable insights about their preferences, needs, and expectations. By prioritizing the patient's perspective and involving them in the decision-making process, healthcare providers can tailor treatments and care plans to better align with what matters most to each individual patient.

This approach enhances the overall patient experience, improves satisfaction, and can lead to better health outcomes. By listening to and incorporating patients' values, healthcare providers can create a more holistic care environment where patients feel respected and empowered.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of patient-centered care. Focusing solely on physician decisions does not involve the patient, while an increased reliance on technology may enhance care but does not inherently mean that patient perspectives are prioritized. Finally, while reducing costs is an important consideration in healthcare, it does not define the patient-centered approach, which is fundamentally about putting the patient at the heart of care.