Why is personalised care so valuable?

Choice plays a big factor in everyday life, and that should be no different when it comes to decisions about the care we receive for either our physical or mental health. With personalised care, people are more involved in the decision making process, and should be supported to talk about the things or outcomes that matter most to them, and what is the best course of action to achieve these outcomes.

A personalised care approach allows patients to feel seen, heard, informed and empowered to take back control of their lives. It will only strengthen the relationship between people, health and care professionals and local communities. The result is better health and wellbeing for them, plus more effective and joined-up services.

Research has shown that when patients have the opportunity to be involved in decision making around personalised healthcare, there are generally better outcomes and better experiences through better adherence to medical advice and therefore increased patient and clinician satisfaction.

Yet upon reflection to what extent have we succeeded in assisting individuals in recognising what genuinely matters to them and motivates them to progress?

Imagine health conversations where people identify something so important to them, it ignites their will to learn and changes their thinking and habits around issues such as diet, exercise, and medication-taking.

Having a productive, personalised conversation with a patient is a skill.

Health-related goals aligned to personal values create focus, energy and commitment to change, and tap into the internal motivation of patients.

Imagine what might happen if one small success led to another, creating the confidence people needed to thrive and reduce their reliance on already over-extended services.

In reality this could be sparked by a better conversation.