The Far-Reaching Value of a Patient-Centered Culture

Creating a patient-centered culture cannot be accomplished in a silo or without the meaningful participation of consumers. It involves weaving the voices of patients and families throughout the system, permeating the existing culture and transforming it into one that is patient-centered at every level. AF4Q communities have collaborated to engage consumers in three key areas: 1) taking control of their own health, 2) improving their care system, and 3) becoming active members of multi-stakeholder Alliances leading change at the regional level. The experiences of the AF4Q communities suggest that sustained, effective, and meaningful consumer engagement at all levels can catalyze a patient-centered culture shift. The communities have developed complementary strategies that engage consumers at all three levels. This session highlighted three communities’ journeys to transform their culture into one that values putting the patient in the center.