Does patient-centered care improve patient satisfaction and treatment adherence in left ventricular dysfunction management with beta-blockers like Carvedilol (beta-blocker)?

From the Guidelines

Including patients in the decision-making process is crucial for patient-centered care, as it enhances satisfaction with health outcomes and fosters engagement, as supported by the 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension 1. The importance of patient inclusion in healthcare decision-making is highlighted by the fact that a patient-centered approach is associated with higher satisfaction rates, better adherence to recommendations and prescriptions, and better treatment, particularly in the management of chronic illness, such as hypertension.

• Key aspects of patient-centered care include:
  • Viewing patients as active participants in health services, who work as partners alongside healthcare professionals
  • Collaborating among healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans
  • Developing educational materials that cover medical advice, mental health strategies, and social support resources
  • Empowering patients to choose options that align with their values and lifestyles
• The 2024 ESC guidelines emphasize that patient-centered care is an ethical imperative in healthcare practice and health policy, and in clinical guidelines, despite limited evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of specific shared decision-making intervention strategies in hypertension care 1.
• In the context of heart failure management, studies have shown that beta-blocker therapy, such as carvedilol, can improve ventricular exercise capacity and reduce mortality, but it is essential to consider the patient's preferences and needs when making treatment decisions 1.
• Overall, the evidence suggests that patient-centered care, which includes patient inclusion in decision-making, is essential for improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences, and should be prioritized in healthcare practice 1.

From the Research

Patient-Centered Care

• Including patients in the decision-making process is a cornerstone of patient-centered care, as it fosters engagement and enhances satisfaction with health outcomes 2.
• Patient-centered care requires that health care organizations and health care professionals actively understand what patients value 2.
• Effective teamwork among healthcare professionals enables a comprehensive discussion of various treatment modalities, empowering patients to choose options that align with their values and lifestyles.

Decision-Making and Patient Engagement

• Shared decision-making affords patients and their families the autonomy to make difficult decisions after receiving comprehensive information about medical facts and treatment options 3.
• Engaging patients in their care is essential to improve health outcomes, improve satisfaction with the care experience, reduce costs, and even benefit the clinician experience 4.
• Patient-centered decision making (PCDM) is the process of identifying clinically relevant, patient-specific circumstances and behaviors to formulate a contextually appropriate care plan, which can lead to improved health care outcomes 5.

Autonomy and Patient-Centered Care

• A better understanding of autonomy will facilitate the ultimate goal of a patient-centered approach and ensure compassionate, high-quality care that respects our patients' values 6.
• Clarification of autonomy and patient-centeredness is provided using specific examples to enhance understanding and application of these principles in patient-centered care 6.