Q&A: Patient-centered communication standards

Q: Where can I find requirements on patient-centered communication?

A: The standards focus on three areas: effective communication, addressing specific patient needs, and data collection and use. The Joint Commission feels these standards go beyond the current standards in that they focus on the safety and quality of care provided and not just on culture or language services. The standards related to patient-centered communication are found in the following chapters: Rights of the Individual, Human Resources, Provision of Care, and Record of Care and Treatment. Several were in effect in 2011 and all were being surveyed in 2012.

Organizations are to determine how to best meet their patients’ needs by performing a self-assessment of their current practices. Hopefully, you have a plan in place as to how you will accomplish this if you have not already completed this assessment.