The concept of ‘person-centred’ or ‘patient-centred’ health care is increasingly acknowledged by health professionals as an important focus, particularly in the care of people with long-term conditions. Some will now be familiar with the use of this term as short-hand for a set of principles to guide the planning and delivery of health care, while others may be unfamiliar with the language but nevertheless agree with the longstanding move towards health care that aligns with both medical evidence and what is appropriate for the individual.

This discussion paper deals with some of the practical ways in which primary care services including general practice, allied health services and community pharmacy can incorporate principles of patient-centred care. It has been produced following the National Asthma Council Australia’s Patient-Centred Health Care Workshop, held 25–27 November 2005 and funded by Pfizer Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. It draws on the workshop report: Patient- Centred Health Care Workshop November 2005 – Report of Proceedings, available on the National Asthma Council Australia website.

As well as exploring how the health system might be adapted to better suit the needs of patients at the levels of policy, funding and infrastructure, participants recognised that all health professionals can and should ensure that their own practices are responsive to patients’ needs. The workshop acknowledged that many GPs, practice nurses and other primary care health professionals are already working in accordance with these principles.

Content Updated June 2007