Patient- Versus Provider-Centered Care

As health care providers, we provide patients with our treatment recommendations that may include medications, behavioral approaches, the use of devices, or other intervention options. The recommendations are often based on years of experience and accumulated knowledge and are provider centered. Patients, however, do not always agree with or consent to engaging in the recommended treatment plan. They, or their families or caregivers, may verbally let us know their intentions or they may simply not fill the prescription, not take the prescription, or not engage in the recommended behavior.