Patient-centred professionalism
But what does 'being patient-centred' really mean for professionals?
Between 2004 and 2007, Picker Institute Europe conducted an international research programme to examine the nature of 'patient-centred professionalism'. Funded by the Picker Institute Inc of the United States, it looked specifically at:
principles of medical professionalism in the US, Canada and the UK
the factors that support a patient-centred approach.
Principles
The research identified the core principles of patient-centred professionalism in the US, Canada and the UK:
- people have the right to decide whether and when to consult a health service, and which one to consult
- patients should be free to decide which treatment they want out of the range of treatments available for their conditions, or to refuse any treatment or to cede the decision about treatment to someone else
- however, all decisions about treatments of an individual patient must be based on scientific knowledge, judgement and concern for equity, as well as on what the patient prefers
- in order for patients to make choices about their treatment, doctors and other health professionals should:
- present all relevant and available options to all relevant patients (i.e. treat all patients fairly and without discrimination)
- help patients to understand the options and their implications
- get to know patients' own experience of the condition/illness and their preferences and values
- take these into consideration in presenting the options
- accept the decision-making role if the patient wishes the choice to be made by the professional.
Patient-centred professionalism: the factors
In 2006, the research team published 
Patient-centred medical professionalism: towards an agenda for research and action, a paper examining the concepts of patient-centredness and medical professionalism, what it means to be a doctor, what it means to be a patient, and how these all fit together.
The final 2008 research report Patient-centred professionalism: defining the public's expectations of doctors summarises the research findings on:
- definitions of patient-centredness
- barriers to patient-centredness
- patients' expectations and behaviour
- ethical guidelines for doctors
- medical education and training
- regulation
- systems and organisation.
A one day conference
Within this research programme, Picker Institute Europe also hosted a conference with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on patient-centred medical professionalism at Regents College, London in 2007.
The aim of the day was to explore how to put into practice, via medical education, appraisal and revalidation, the patient-centred principles embedded in Good Medical Practice, the General Medical Council's guidance for doctors.
The conference report
Doctor and patient: Implementing 'Good Medical Practice' describes the day's discussions and outcomes. The conferences included presentations from:
Patricia Wilkie Chair of the patient/lay group, Academy of Medical Royal CollegesAngela Coulter former Chief executive of Picker Institute EuropeDr John Jenkins Chair of the GMC's Standards CommitteeMartin Marshall Deputy Chief Medical Officer for EnglandRichard Hawkins, MD Vice President for Assessment Programs, National Board of Medical Examiners, USA.