Towards a Person-Centered Care Approach in Community Mental Health Services

Abstract

Person-centered care presents a welcoming change towards a more holistic healthcare model. Rather than restricting its scope to the deficiencies and challenges that the individual may have, PCC widens its view to the autonomy of the person. Pertinent to this scope, it is the intention of this study to investigate the value and contribution of PCC to community mental health services. As noted by WHO, these services locate social inclusion and participation within the community life. Research suggests a dearth of studies on PCC within community mental health services. This applies to Malta as well. In fact, Galea and Mallia in their leading study on this reality strongly recommended more knowledge, practice and research from the perspective of a person-centered approach among mental healthcare services. This includes continuous professional development among HCPs in line with the latest PCC principles. Transitioning to a person-centered approach within community mental health services benefits the community because it empowers the person and improves clinical outcomes.