Person Centred Care in Neurological Rehabilitation: A Case Study and Critical Reflection

Abstract

Healthcare systems and organizations consider maintaining and improving the quality of their service provisions whilst also being mindful of strategies to mitigate identified gaps in their clinical services. One such approach that has found favour among healthcare teams and institutions is that of person centered care. Person centered care places emphasis on situating the individual at the core of the decision-making process, identifying, and illuminating what is of greatest importance to the concerned person. The approach fosters a belief in equal and collaborative goal setting between the person and their healthcare team, respecting the individual’s needs and their preferences as people. One area where this approach can be adopted is that of neurological rehabilitation. The ethos of mutual respect and partnership between the individual and the multidisciplinary team can guide and inform the process of rehabilitation. This paper aims to deliver a critical appraisal of the application of the principles of person centered care in neurological rehabilitation. This will be referenced to a clinical scenario involving a young person with a stroke. The case will link the theory of person centered care discussing the models and frameworks realised in the clinical story. This will lead to a discussion and conclusion on the value of person centered care for people, professionals, teams, and organizations.