Patientanpassning

Patientanpassning (patient adaptation) is a concept in health care that refers to tailoring care to the individual patient’s needs, preferences, abilities, and life context. It sits within the broader framework of patient-centered or person-centered care, which emphasizes partnership between patients and professionals and decisions made in line with the patient’s values and goals.

Key aspects include personalized communication, information provided in a way the patient can understand, and shared decision-making. It also covers accessibility and flexibility in service delivery, such as language support, health literacy accommodations, flexible appointment times, and adaptable treatment plans. Cultural sensitivity, respect for patients’ values and beliefs, involvement of family or carers as desired, and consideration of social determinants of health are important elements. In addition, patientanpassning can involve adapting the physical environment and equipment to the patient’s needs, for example enabling mobility, providing assistive devices, or using decision aids to clarify choices.

Implementation occurs across care settings, from primary care to hospitals and rehabilitation. It requires organizational commitment, training for clinicians and staff in communication and cultural competence, processes for obtaining and acting on patient feedback, and mechanisms to accommodate individual preferences without compromising safety or efficiency.

Benefits cited in research and practice include improved satisfaction, adherence, and outcomes, as well as reduced disparities. Challenges include time constraints, resource limitations, and the need to balance individualized care with standard guidelines.