The term “patient-centered” has become a buzzword in many aspects of healthcare. The patient-centered approach acknowledges the individual being treated and not just the illness. It fosters mutual respect between the caregiver, the patient, and their family members.
The various definitions of patient-centered care have the following key elements in common:
- The care focuses on both physical comfort and emotional well-being.
- Patient and family values, traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are respected.
- Patients and family members play a role in the care.
- Information is shared fully and in a timely manner so everyone involved can make informed decisions.
Although patient-centered care is recognized as an essential aspect of successful rehabilitation programs, putting it into practice is sometimes easier said than done when patients have physical impairments.
According to a BMJ Journal article published in the National Library of Medicine, person-centered care is a “philosophy for organizing and delivering healthcare based on patients’ needs, preferences and experiences.” However, the research presented in the article reveals that although the concept is widely endorsed, it suffers from “a lack of detail and clarification, in turn accounting for ambiguous implementation and outcomes” across many healthcare contexts.
The article states that these disparities are especially apparent within the “nuances of the rehabilitation of adults with physical impairments.”
“We know that patient-centered care can produce significant health benefits for people’s health,” explains physical and respiratory therapist Lady Johana Londono Pedroza. “However, the practical application can be difficult.”
She lists the following factors as potential barriers to patient-centered care in specialized rehabilitation programs:
- Patient’s clinical characteristics
- Patient’s level of knowledge of physical abilities
- Staff experience
- Staff workload
- Clinical or home environment
- Level of family support
- Patient’s location and economic situation
Pedroza has developed a program called Prime PhysioCare and TeleRehab Solutions, which is designed to address the roadblocks that may stand in the way of the unique goals and needs of each patient.
Prime PhysioCare and TeleRehab Solutions will include the following three core areas of specialization:
1. Traditional Physiotherapy. The program will feature proven hands-on treatments — including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and other therapeutic modalities — to help patients regain and maintain their physical well-being.
2. Specialized Rehabilitation Programs. Prime PhysioCare and TeleRehab Solutions will also offer individually tailored therapies to cater to a patient’s specific needs. This division will provide specialized programs such as sports rehabilitation, post-operative care, and geriatric-focused treatments.
3. TeleRehab Services. With the increased need for remote healthcare solutions at its forefront, this segment will provide online consultations, evaluations, and guided exercise sessions. Patients will be able to receive quality physiotherapy care regardless of their location.
According to a report by Grandview Research, the U.S. physical therapy services market had a value of USD 44.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 3.56% through 2030.
The high demand for physical therapy is due in large part to an aging population. Adults 65 and older – now nearly 17% of the U.S. population and growing — have the highest incidence of musculoskeletal conditions. Other factors are increased cases of sports injuries and chronic pain among the rest of the population.
Pedroza stresses that her goal is for Prime PhysioCare and TeleRehab Solutions to “serve a diverse range of patients, ensuring that top-notch physiotherapy treatments are accessible and adaptable to all.”
“We believe that a well-informed patient has the best outcomes in specialized rehabilitation programs,” says Pedroza, who has extensive experience working with children, adults, and the elderly in home and clinical settings. “Our ultimate goal is to empower patients so that they are full partners in their own care.” Written by Tricia Drevets
