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Looking Within: Intentions of Practice for Person-Centered Care
William B. Ventres
Background In this essay, a physician reflects on intentions of practice: habits of mind that encourage him to attend to patients as complex human beings. These intentions help the author navigate interactions with patients and families in ways that are both efficacious and therapeutic.
What This Study Found The author describes seven intentions of practice: recognizing patients as whole people, practicing honestly with others and oneself, accepting what emerges in the clinical encounter, sharing the responsibility of care, being calm in the face of uncertainty, working to protect patients, and being authentic. When routinely recalled and adeptly implemented, these intentions help him integrate the biological, social and existential dimensions of care into his day-to-day clinical encounters with patients.
Implications
- The author reflects on the challenges these intentions present and invites others to use them on their paths as healing physicians.
- The core of being able to provide person-centered care lies not "out there" with patients, families, other persons, or even the doctor-patient relationship. Instead, this core lies "within."
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