The healthcare industry is leaning more towards value-based care away from the traditional pay-for-your-service healthcare model. While looking for the best care possible for patients, industry experts are leveraging technology to develop the best service care models.

The total patient care model is one of the best outcomes from the innovation. This model allows one nurse to care for one patient or a small group during their shift. While on the shift, the nurse is responsible for all the needs of the said patient and sometimes until the patient no longer needs care.

Since nurses are only dealing with a handful of patients or a single patient, they are in a position to respond promptly to a patient’s needs. The nurse also has all the required data, so there will be no need to keep referring to previous records. On top of that, patients tend to respond better to this type of care because they have developed trust with their caregivers over time.

What Does Total Patient Care Involve?

Achieving the total patient care model requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure you meet all your patient’s healthcare needs. This includes providing all the necessary treatment and any follow-up care needed.

One significant distinction of total patient care from the other models is that the patient care is individualized based on the patient’s circumstances. A team of healthcare experts, including nurses, doctors and other specialists, work together to develop a comprehensive healthcare plan to help the patient improve.

Studies have shown improved patient outcomes with the collaborative approach to providing care. Total patient care aims to provide coordinated care, proactive support and follow-up to patients with complex health conditions.

The total patient care model is patient-focused and helps patients resolve their problems rather than only focusing on their diagnosis. Patients tend to feel more at ease with personal care, encouraging close relationships between doctors and patients. This allows consistent support and care that all patients need.

What Is the Importance of Total Patient Care?

One On One Attention

The main advantage of the total patient care model is the one on one monitoring and attention that the nurses provide to their patients. The only disadvantage to this type of care is that it is expensive. A skilled nurse is more expensive than a professional caregiver who offers companionship services to a sick person.

 Care Is Not Definite

Total patient care is not provided indefinitely but is meant to provide assistance to patients over a short period or until it is needed. The model solely relies on a tremendous nurse-patient dynamic.

High-Quality Services

The total patient care model allows nurses to provide the highest quality of service to their patients. This is mainly because the nurse does not have a lot of patients to take care of during their shift so they can pay close attention to their patients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Is the Difference Between Primary Nursing and Total Patient Care?

With total patient care, a registered nurse provides care to the patient for a specific shift or rounds. The nurse provides care to the patient from the planning process to the follow-up. The main advantage is to ensure that there is a continuous shift which allows the task to be completed at the same time.

In primary nursing, the nurse is only responsible for a certain part of the patient’s care while working with other healthcare team members. Both models have their drawbacks and advantages, and it is essential to discuss with your healthcare team which model would work best for you.

What Is the Difference Between Total Patient Care and Patient-Centered Care?

With a patient-centred approach, patients are empowered by healthcare providers to actively participate in their healthcare to be considered part of the system. The total patient care approach means a registered healthcare provider offering care to the patient around the clock.

References and Resources