“My practice has always been based on person-center. My goal is for you to hear your very best. We work hard to make that happen”, states Dr. Terry.
In an article by Debbie Clason in Healthy Hearing, they discuss,
“What is Person-Centered care for people with Hearing Loss?”
Person-centered care (PPC) in hearing health ensures that people are equal and active partners in the management of their hearing difficulties, explains Lise Lotte Bundesen, managing director for the Ida Institute. PPC focuses on the patient’s needs and preferences by involving family and other communication partners to make decisions and set goals.
How person-centered care differs from traditional methods:
In traditional healthcare methods, the professional acts as the expert who tells the patient what to do. And, while the patient is expected to understand and follow the professional’s recommendations, Bundesen says “in reality this is not always what happens.”
Conversely, an audiologist who practices person-centered care works with the patient to identify individual needs and preferences. This includes:
~ Inviting communicating partners to participate in the appointment, such as a spouse
~ Asking questions and listening actively to the answers
~ Offering treatment recommendations as well as information and communication strategies adapted to the patient’s individual needs.
Why PPC is Important:
Person-centered care leads to a higher degree of adherence to treatment recommendations and greater satisfaction, according to research conducted by the HEARing Cooperative Research Center in Australia. Results of the study indicated that “69% of patients prefer a patient-centered interaction with their medical practitioner, whereas interactions that are non-patient-centered have the lowest rates of satisfaction.”
Bundesen said benefits for professionals who practice PPC include:
~ More efficient appointments
~ A higher degree of adherence to treatment recommendations
~ Greater patient satisfaction
To read the full article: CLICK HERE
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing, feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471