Person-centred care

Person-centred care is an approach to healthcare and social services that prioritises the individual needs, preferences, and values of the person receiving care and the person receiving care is actively involved in decision-making (Giusti A, 2020).  

This approach is recognised by WHO as a key component of primary healthcare and important for achieving Universal Health Coverage. The goal is to ensure care is tailored to the individual, fostering a more personalised and respectful healthcare experience.  

Tailoring interventions to the specific needs and preferences of people living in prison fosters a person-centred approach. It is important to recognise the unique challenges faced by people living in prison, including potential stigma, discrimination and barriers to healthcare access ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(see section on Stigma and Discrimination).  

A model of care highlighting key principles of person-centred care in France can be found here (See Models of care: case study – Montpellier). In this model, in preparation for release from the prison, a medical doctor a nurse and social worker engage with the individual to define the most effective process to ensure continuation of care post-release, tailoring the approach to the individuals’ health and social needs.  

A model of care from Germany focused on how person-centred integrated care was provided based on an understanding of gender-specific needs can be found here (See Models of care: case study – Berlin).