The importance of person centred care in patient assessments

Question

Discuss the importance of assessment in the nursing process demonstrating person centred care

Answer

Assessment is the first step in the nursing process and refers to the systematic method of collecting patient data in order to formulate plans that will be implemented to solve patient health problems (Howatson-Jones et al. 2015; Timby 2009). Assessment is important in the nursing process because as the first step, it serves as the foundation from which the other steps of the nursing process will be based upon. The data obtained by the nurse during assessment of a patient will dictate the direction of the planning, implementation and evaluation of the patient’s care and treatment.
It can be argued that there are various ways nurses can conduct assessment, but ultimately the goal is to assess every aspect of a patient’s health in a holistic manner and thus, an accurate identification of their needs can be accomplished. Through the concept of patient centred care, the patient is given the opportunity to be actively involved when conducting patient assessments. The Royal College of Nursing (2016) defines it simply as a strategy where patients are seen as an equal partner in health care delivery. The NMC (2015) supports this by stating that nurses should listen to the people under their care and respond to their concerns and preferences by working in partnership with them and recognising the contribution they can offer to their own care and treatment. Involving the patients during assessment and actively seeking their perceptions, values and beliefs will help ensure a holistic approach to nursing assessment and guarantee effective patient care and treatment.

References

Howatson-Jones, L., Standing, M. and Roberts, S. (2015). Patient assessment and care planning in nursing. 2nd ed. London: Learning Matters.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2015). The code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives. London: NMC.

Royal College of Nursing (2016). Person-centred care. [online]. Available at: https://www2.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/cpd_online_learning/dignity_in_health_care/person-centred_care [Accessed: 27 November 2016].

Timby, B. (2009). Fundamental nursing skills and concepts. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.