Which statement best describes patient-centered care?

• A. Focuses on patient outcomes and preferences
• B. Focuses only on medical procedures
• C. Focuses on nurse satisfaction
• D. Focuses on hospital policies

Answer: (A)

Patient-centered care centers on the person receiving care, honoring their preferences, needs, and values and letting those shape decisions, plans, and actions. This approach means care is guided by what matters most to the patient, including their desired outcomes, daily life, and values, and it involves the patient (and their family when appropriate) in decisions through clear communication and shared decision-making. That’s why describing care as focusing on patient outcomes and preferences is the best fit—it places the patient at the heart of every aspect of care, not just the medical procedures themselves or internal pressures.

Focusing only on medical procedures misses the broader goals and values the patient holds, which can lead to care that isn’t aligned with what the patient considers important. Similarly, nurse satisfaction or hospital policies reflect the perspectives of staff or institutions rather than the patient’s needs and goals, so they don’t capture the essence of patient-centered care.