Client-centered care is also known as patient-centered care which focuses on the client’s specific health needs. Care is coordinated with the client meaning they are able to discuss their health needs and wants.
With client-centered care, the client has a role in the care process which can help improve health outcomes and accountability.
Here at New York City Nutrition, our services revolve around client-centered care. We always put you and your needs first because we believe health is not a one-size-fits-all approach!
In today’s article, we will be taking you through what client-centered care is and how we implement it into our practice as dietitian nutritionists.
What is Client-Centered Care?
Client-centered care means exactly what it sounds like! It is care that is coordinated between the client and the healthcare team that reflects what is best and safe for the client.
In client-centered care, the client has the ability to become part of their own healthcare team so that they can advocate for their health needs and wants.
As the client, you have the chance to voice your needs and tailor your treatment to best fit you and your journey.
You are an individual and unique- and your nutrition should be as well!
4 Benefits of Client-Centered Care
There are many benefits to client-centered care and we wanted to share a few with you today.
1. Increased client satisfaction
When you as a client feel heard and respected, you may be more willing to make changes in your lives that will improve your health.
These changes can lead to achieving their goals which may increase your satisfaction with services.
2. Improved rapport between dietitian and client
Focusing on client-centered care is a great way to build trust between the dietitian and the client. The more the client can trust their dietitian, the more positive the relationship will be.
At New York City Nutrition, we value your opinion as one of our clients. Your satisfaction with our services is our number one priority!
3. Enhanced productivity
When dietitians allow clients to be an advocate for their health needs, it helps make working towards behavior change easier.
This increases productivity because it allows dietitians to create an individualized nutrition care plan for the client much easier knowing exactly what the client wants to achieve.
4. Reduced healthcare expenses
Unfortunately, healthcare can be expensive. Through using client-centered care, our goal as dietitians is to reduce your healthcare expenses as a client, which may motivate you to continue on your journey even more!
Dietitian Skills Needed for Client-Centered Care
There are certain skills that dietitians need in order to master patient-centered care. It is not something that is taught in most nutrition textbooks!
Some skills include:
- Empathy
- Good communication
- Active listening
- Time management
- Ability to build positive relationships
- Ability to encourage clients to be their own advocates
Example of How We Use Client-Centered Care in Your Nutrition Care Plan
Each client we work with will get an individualized nutrition care plan based on their health and nutrition goals and needs.
We allow our clients to feel empowered to be involved in their nutrition care plans by letting them set their own goals.
We also use the skills listed above. Having our clients involved in their nutrition care planning process helps us better understand and predict the needs of our clients.
During our sessions, we have the patient give a detailed explanation of their past & current nutrition and medical history, lifestyle goals and assess their sleep habits and stress levels to identify areas where we can help make improvements.
If this sounds good to you, and you are ready to have a say in your health goals, focus on your needs and want to be a part of your own healthcare plan then schedule a complimentary appointment with us here!
