The Need to Reconstruct “Person-Centeredness” Based on Inherent Tensions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The concept of person-centeredness (PC) is ubiquitous in health and supportive care regardless of recipients' age and condition, which might suggest that the concept is clear, uniformly understood, and its provision straightforward; however, such is not the case. To more fully understand the concept and challenges inherent in applying PC overall and in the care of older adults, including persons with dementia and receiving long-term care, this special article draws on meetings held with 116 participants representing diverse perspectives and expertise. Six deeply rooted tensions were identified: community (public) versus individual (private); efficiency versus individualization; superficial knowing versus deep knowing; policy compliance versus flexible decision making; safety versus freedom; and expense versus investment. Given these pervasive tensions, full PC can never be achieved, and requires ongoing negotiation. Therefore, the concept of PC must be reconstructed, adopting a more nuanced and realistic approach to practice, policy, and research.
Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,400
Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Research to Prevent Blindness, Amgen, Pfizer, Baxter International, Odd Berg Medical Research Foundation, Takeda Science Foundation, Gigtforeningen, University of Ottawa, American Medical Association, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Fresenius Medical Care North America, Epilepsiforeningen, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Academy of Engineering, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, National Natural Science Foundation of China, ZonMw, Austrian Science Fund, Cancerfonden, Capital Medical University, Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Lundbeckfonden, Japan IDDM network, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Vetenskapsrådet, Harry Crossley Foundation, National Research Council of Thailand, Beijing Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Norges Forskningsråd, Sächsische Aufbaubank, Forskningsrådet om Hälsa, Arbetsliv och Välfärd, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Helse Nord RHF, Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders, Novo Nordisk Fonden, Region Midtjylland, Hunan Provincial Innovation Foundation for Postgraduate, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Boehringer Ingelheim France, Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss, Lietuvos Sveikatos Mokslų Universitetas, Fundación Bancaria Caixa d'Estalvis i Pensions de Barcelona, National Institutes of Health, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Public Health Research Programme, Guangzhou Science and Technology Program key projects, Research for Patient Benefit Programme, Division of Research Capacity Development, Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Oslo universitetssykehus HF, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada
OpenAlex ID: W7165729252