Personikeskeistä

Personikeskeistä is a Finnish term that translates to "person-centered" or "person-oriented." It is a philosophical and practical approach that emphasizes the individual's needs, preferences, and autonomy in various contexts. This approach is most prominently seen in fields such as healthcare, social work, and education.

In healthcare, personikeskeistä care means that the patient's values, beliefs, and wishes are at the forefront of treatment decisions. It moves away from a purely biomedical model to one that considers the patient's overall well-being, including their emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Professionals strive to involve patients actively in their care plans, respecting their right to make informed choices.

In social work, a personikeskeistä approach focuses on empowering individuals and communities. It recognizes that each person has unique strengths and experiences, and interventions are tailored to meet these specific circumstances rather than applying standardized solutions. The goal is to foster independence and self-determination.

Similarly, in education, personikeskeistä learning environments adapt to the individual student's learning style, pace, and interests. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students to discover their potential and develop their own learning pathways. This contrasts with more traditional, teacher-centered methods.

The core principle of personikeskeistä is to view individuals as active participants and decision-makers in their own lives, rather than passive recipients of services or instruction. It promotes dignity, respect, and a deeper understanding of individual circumstances.