By Lesa 
Patient-centered care models are reshaping healthcare by focusing on individual preferences. These
models emphasize respect for patients’ values and collaboration with families, even during emergencies.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training has adapted to include these principles, moving beyond rigid protocols
to more flexible and personalized methods. If you’re thinking about enrolling in an ACLS course, knowing how BLS training for healthcare providers aligns with modern care practices can guide your decision. Keep reading to learn more about these models.
Definition of Patient-Centered Care Models
Patient-centered care (PCC) improves healthcare experiences and outcomes by focusing on individual
needs, values, and preferences. A study interviewed 618 patients and 5 health professionals to
understand patient-centered care. Of these, 60.9% received PCC. The results revealed that patients who
felt they received high-quality care had better experiences.
In hospitals, this approach builds trust, enhances communication, and promotes shared decision-making
between patients, families, and healthcare providers. Let us look at its core principles in more detail:
Respecting Personal Preferences
Patient-centered care means considering what matters most to the person in front of you. If someone
has an advance directive that limits certain medical interventions, you adjust your actions to align with
their wishes. This might include following “Do Not Resuscitate” orders or considering specific religious
practices that affect treatment.
In real life, a patient with a heart condition might carry a medical bracelet or card with instructions for
care during emergencies. As a provider, checking for these cues and respecting them demonstrates a
patient-centered approach. This ensures that care aligns with their values, even in fast-paced scenarios.
Working Together with Patients and Families
Collaboration is a big part of patient-centered care. It involves open conversations with patients and their families, ensuring everyone understands what’s happening and has a chance to share their thoughts. For example, if a patient is unconscious, talking to their family about their medical history or preferences can guide your decisions.
Imagine an older adult brought to the hospital after cardiac arrest. If their spouse mentions they
previously chose not to have invasive treatments, you factor that into your decisions. Clear
communication builds trust and ensures care matches what the patient would want, even if they can’t
speak for themselves at the moment.
Tailoring Care to Individual Needs
Every patient is unique, with unique health conditions, physical differences, and emotional states.
Patient-centered care tailors treatment plans to each patient’s needs. For instance, if someone has
asthma or another breathing issue, you may modify how you manage their airway during an emergency.
For example, consider a pediatric patient with a history of severe allergies who needed CPR after a
reaction. The team adjusted its actions to account for the child’s small size and underlying condition.
Noticing these details helps you provide the best care for each situation.
How BLS is Adapting to Patient-Centered Care Models
Basic life support is evolving to fit the growing focus on patient-centered care. The following are some
ways BLS has adapted to a patient-centered approach.
Technology
Technology, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and telemedicine, enhances communication and
ensures quick access to patient information during BLS scenarios. Real-time data tracking helps guide
decisions, while telemedicine supports remote care for patients who can’t travel. For example, during a
cardiac arrest, having immediate access to patient records ensures timely interventions and better
outcomes.
Implementation of Patient Portals and Telemedicine
Patient portals and telemedicine allow patients to access their medical records and connect with
providers remotely. In BLS situations, these tools help ensure quick, accurate information is available,
especially for patients in remote areas. Telemedicine also supports virtual assessments, ensuring care is
not limited by location.
Adapting Care to Meet the Unique Needs of Individual Patients
BLS care is more effective when tailored to each patient’s specific needs, such as medical history or
preferences. These factors help ensure interventions are appropriate and personalized. For example, a
patient with a chronic condition may require different care than a healthy individual, improving
outcomes.
Incorporating Social Determinants of Health into Care Plans
Addressing social determinants like transportation, housing, and nutrition ensures a more comprehensive
BLS care. These factors help improve patient outcomes by removing barriers to accessing timely and
effective care.
Benefits of PCC
Patient-centered care focuses on the needs, preferences, and values of patients, leading to improved
experiences and better health outcomes. If you’re pursuing continuing education in healthcare,
understanding these benefits is key to enhancing your practice.
1. Improved Patient Satisfaction
Patient-centered care helps ensure that patients feel heard and valued. When providers listen to patients
and address their concerns, they build trust and reduce anxiety. For example, patients who feel involved
in their care are more likely to follow treatment plans and feel satisfied with their overall experience.
Clear explanations and involving patients in decisions contribute to better outcomes.
2. Better Health Outcomes
When care is tailored to meet individual needs, patients are more likely to engage with their treatment
plans. For instance, a patient with chronic conditions may have better outcomes when their care plan
considers their specific needs, promoting more consistent follow-through and improved recovery.
3. Enhanced Communication
Strong communication is central to patient-centered care. Providers are encouraged to listen to patients,
explain medical procedures clearly, and ensure patients understand their options. For example, patients
who are involved in their care are more likely to feel comfortable asking questions.
4. Increased Team Coordination
Patient-centered care promotes teamwork among healthcare providers. When everyone on the care
team focuses on the patient’s needs, care becomes more coordinated. For example, patients with
complex health conditions may require input from multiple specialists. Patient-centered care ensures
that all providers are aligned, helping to deliver cohesive and efficient care.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Patient-centered care respects patients’ diverse values, beliefs, and backgrounds. This helps create a
more inclusive environment where patients feel valued and understood. Patients who feel their unique
needs are acknowledged are more likely to engage positively with their care.
BLS for Healthcare Providers and Patient-Centered Care
BLS for healthcare providers is training for healthcare professionals that teach life-saving techniques like
CPR, AED use, airway management, and choking relief to manage medical emergencies. Patient-centered care focuses on prioritizing the patient’s preferences, needs, and values in the care process, ensuring they are treated with respect and involved in decisions about their health. Combining these approaches means healthcare workers are ready to manage emergencies while offering compassionate, personalized care to patients.