In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way healthcare is delivered in the UK. The NHS has been implementing a more patient-centred approach, where care is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient. This shift is reflected in the introduction of the Personalised Health Budgets, which aims to provide patients with greater control over their healthcare decisions.

The Concept of Personalised Care in the NHS

Personalised care is a relatively new concept in healthcare, but it has become increasingly important in recent years. It is about putting the patient at the centre of healthcare and tailoring care to the individual needs and preferences of the patient, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Personalised Care recognises that every patient has unique needs, values, preferences, and circumstances. It is about empowering patients to take an active role in their health and care, through shared decision-making, self-management, and collaborative approaches to care planning.

The Shift Towards Patient-Cantered Care

Historically, the NHS has been criticised for providing a one-size-fits-all approach to care, with little consideration for patient preferences and values. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition that patients need to be involved in their own care and decision-making.

The shift towards patient-centred care is about empowering patients to take an active role in their health and care, through shared decision-making, self-management, and collaborative approaches to care planning. 

This approach recognises that patients are experts in their own health and care needs, and that they should be involved in decisions about their care.

Patients are no longer passive recipients of care, but active partners in their own health and care. They are encouraged to ask questions, share their views and preferences, and participate in decisions about their care.

Key Principles of Personalised Care

There are several key principles of personalised care, including:

• Tailoring care to the individual needs and preferences of the patient
• Putting the patient at the centre of healthcare
• Engaging patients in shared decision-making
• Supporting self-management and self-care
• Collaborating with patients and carers in care planning and delivery

These principles are designed to ensure that patients receive care that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences and that they are involved in decisions about their care.

Personalised care is not just about improving the quality of care for patients, but also about improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services. By tailoring care to patients' individual needs, healthcare providers can reduce unnecessary treatments and interventions, and improve patient outcomes.

Overall, personalised care is an important concept in healthcare, and it is essential that healthcare providers and policymakers continue to work towards implementing this approach to care in the NHS.

If you want to discuss personal health budgets, please contact the Thrive Care Solutions team who will be happy to discuss how we can guide you through the process.