According to the World Health Organization, what constitutes patient-centered care?

Patient-centered care, as defined by the World Health Organization, emphasizes providing the right care in the right place, which aligns with the principles of accessibility, appropriateness, and responsiveness to the needs and values of patients. This approach prioritizes understanding and addressing individual patient preferences, needs, and values, ensuring that healthcare decisions are made in partnership with patients.

This model recognizes that effective healthcare goes beyond just treating illness; it involves engaging patients in their health care journey, which can lead to improved outcomes and satisfaction. The focus is on delivering comprehensive care that suits the unique circumstances of each patient, promoting holistic health rather than just a narrow focus on specific conditions or settings.

Other options do not encapsulate the essence of patient-centered care. High healthcare costs do not reflect care quality or patient engagement, care in correctional facilities is a specific context that may or may not be patient-centered, and focusing solely on acute conditions neglects the importance of chronic care management and preventative strategies, which are also fundamental to a patient-centered approach.