The patient-centered clinical method: a family medicine perspective

Abstract

This paper describes the patient-centered clinical method for family practice. It was presented as a speech at the Family Medicine Research Days, Izmir, November 2012. As well as describing, in depth, the four components of the patient-centered clinical method, I also cover the reasons why patient-centeredness is important to patients. I offer examples that explain how patientcentered care has a role in diagnosis and cure. Our own research studies provide guides to encourage others to conduct research on patient-centered care. I cite worldwide research which has found that patient-centered care has a positive influence on patient perceptions of their care and on their own health. Finally, I describe the effective ways that patient-centeredness can be taught and learned.