What is person centred care?

Person‑centred care is an approach to health and social services that places you, the individual, at the very core of every decision, conversation and action. Rather than treating you as a passive recipient of interventions, this model recognises you as an expert in your own life, with unique preferences, values and goals. When services genuinely listen to what matters most to you and work alongside you to design care, people often feel more confident, supported and in control. This not only leads to better health outcomes and higher satisfaction, but can also reduce unnecessary treatments and ease pressure on services.

What is person‑centred care?
At its heart, person‑centred care means that your needs, circumstances and priorities drive all aspects of planning and delivery. Health and social care professionals become partners in your journey, sharing information openly and supporting you to make informed decisions. Rather than offering a one‑size‑fits‑all solution, they tailor everything—from appointment times to treatment plans—around what will work best for you in the context of your daily life. This collaborative style shifts the focus from doing things for you to doing things with you, honoring your expertise in living with your condition.

Recognising person‑centred care
You may notice person‑centred care in action during appointments that start by asking what matters most to you rather than diving straight into test results. Conversations will explore how different treatment options align with your lifestyle and personal goals, discussing each choice’s potential benefits and drawbacks in plain language. You’ll be given space to ask questions and reflect, and follow‑up plans are co‑designed so they fit comfortably around your responsibilities, work and family life. This inclusive approach values your insights and creates genuine partnership on your road to better health.

Why person‑centred care matters
When you are actively involved in your own care, the evidence shows that outcomes improve. People who collaborate with their care teams tend to manage long‑term conditions more effectively, require fewer hospital admissions and report higher satisfaction. From the service perspective, person‑centred care can lead to greater efficiency by reducing unnecessary investigations and supporting self‑management, which eases demand on clinics and emergency departments. In the wider picture, it builds trust and respect between people and the organisations that support them, making the whole system more resilient and responsive.

Factors driving the shift
Several key trends have accelerated the move towards person‑centred care in the UK. An ageing population living with multiple long‑term conditions needs more personalised, ongoing support than traditional episodic treatment can offer. Policy frameworks emphasise personalised care and shared decision making as core objectives. Meanwhile, research into the social and psychological determinants of health highlights how factors such as housing, employment and mental wellbeing all interact with physical health. Taken together, these drivers make person‑centred approaches both an ethical imperative and a strategic necessity for modern services.

Core principles and frameworks
Although different organisations may use slightly varied language, certain principles underpin all person‑centred models. First, care should be based on the whole person, not just on symptoms or diagnoses. Second, it should build on each person’s strengths and resources, encouraging autonomy and self‑management. Third, services must be coordinated and continuous, so that information and plans follow you across different settings. Finally, every interaction should be governed by compassion, dignity and respect. Many frameworks also stress the importance of listening to each individual’s story, forming a genuine partnership and documenting agreed plans clearly.

Embedding person‑centred approaches
Turning these principles into everyday practice calls for training, strong leadership and supportive systems. Staff need core skills in active listening, agenda setting and guiding goal‑focused conversations. Tools such as decision aids and structured coaching can help professionals integrate clinical expertise with your own preferences. On an organisational level, workflows and IT systems must be adapted so that care plans, test results and follow‑up notes are easily accessible to everyone involved. When technology and processes enable seamless communication, it becomes simpler for teams to deliver care that truly reflects your wishes.

Measuring and improving
To ensure person‑centred care is more than just a slogan, services collect feedback through surveys, focus groups and real‑time comment tools. Regulators assess how well providers involve people in decisions and support self‑management. Local patient panels and experience data highlight strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. When gaps emerge—such as inconsistent involvement in care planning—teams can introduce targeted training or refine processes, weaving person‑centred approaches ever more tightly into daily practice.

Supporting yourself and your family
You have an important role in making person‑centred care work for you. Preparing questions before appointments, keeping a simple health diary and sharing your personal goals can all help professionals understand what matters most. Many areas offer personalised care planning, allowing you to work with your GP, nurse or social worker to create a written plan that outlines your needs, preferences and desired outcomes. Carers and family members can be involved in these discussions, and if you ever feel you need extra support or an independent advocate, one can usually be arranged.

When to speak up
Person‑centred care depends on respectful conversation. If you ever feel your views aren’t being heard or your choices overlooked, it’s fine to ask for clarification or request a second opinion. In formal care settings you can ask for a review of your care and support plan if it no longer matches your needs. Raising concerns promptly not only helps ensure you receive the right care but also strengthens the partnership between you and your care team.

Common myths and misconceptions
Some worry that person‑centred care means clinicians simply agree to any request, even if it conflicts with best practice. In truth, it’s about balancing evidence‑based guidance with your personal values and life context. Others fear it will make consultations longer and less efficient. While there may be added time in building a shared understanding, this investment often prevents misunderstandings and repeat visits, saving time in the long run. Clearing up these misconceptions helps build realistic expectations and fosters genuine collaboration.

Emotional and mental health impact
Feeling heard and respected can ease anxiety and foster resilience. For people living with mental health challenges, being seen as an individual rather than a set of symptoms can make all the difference to recovery. Carers also benefit when their insights and concerns are acknowledged, reducing stress and feelings of isolation. Person‑centred care nurtures a sense of shared responsibility and mutual trust, which supports emotional wellbeing alongside physical health.

Summary
Person‑centred care represents a fundamental shift in how health and social services support people in the UK. By listening to your story, sharing decisions and tailoring support to fit your life, it creates care that is more compassionate, effective and sustainable. As services continue to evolve, embedding these principles will be essential to meeting the growing complexity of people’s needs, while always upholding dignity, respect and a genuine partnership in health.