Abstract
Many different words and phrases are used to describe healthcare that treats patients as people. Do terms such as 'person centred', 'patient centred', 'people centred' and 'personalised' mean broadly the same thing or do they refer to distinct concepts? Should we prefer one over the others? In this essay, we set out the value and limitations of some of the different terms used to describe what we broadly refer to as 'person-centred care'. We offer a critical conceptual analysis of the most commonly used words and phrases in this domain, exploring how they differ from, and relate to, one another. We argue that there is value in retaining a wide vocabulary: the distinctive emphasis and connotations of different terms allow us to communicate about this multifaceted area of research and practice with nuance and context sensitivity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
