Which statement best captures a patient-centered approach in a coordinated care environment?

• A. The care team coordinates care with the patient across multiple providers
• B. The patient is the center of planning with input across teams
• C. The team disregards patient preferences
• D. The family alone manages decisions

Answer: (B)

Putting the patient at the center of planning, with input from across the care team, is the hallmark of patient-centered care in a coordinated environment. This approach means decisions reflect the patient’s values and goals and are informed by the expertise of providers from multiple disciplines working together. The statement that the patient drives the planning process and that input comes from across teams best represents this approach, ensuring a unified, coherent plan that respects preferences and supports shared decision-making. Coordinating care with the patient across providers is important, but without centering planning on the patient, the plan may fail to align with what matters most to the patient. Conversely, disregarding patient preferences or letting the family manage decisions alone runs counter to patient-centered care, which emphasizes patient autonomy and involvement. In practice, this engagement leads to clearer communication, better adherence, and improved outcomes.