Patna: A shift towards person-centred medicine is improving patient outcomes and strengthening doctor-patient relationships, a Patna-based physician has said after attending an international medical conference in Malaysia.
Dr Diwakar Tejaswi, medical director and senior physician at Pahal, was speaking after participating in the International Conference on Person-Centered Medicine held in Kuala Lumpur on March 27 and 28.
He said the approach marks a departure from traditional models that focus primarily on diagnosing and treating specific diseases, instead viewing patients as whole individuals with physical, mental, social and emotional dimensions.
According to Dr Tejaswi, global research indicates that patient-centred care has led to better control of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He added that when patients are actively involved in their treatment, adherence to medication improves by 20–30%.
The approach also fosters stronger communication and trust between doctors and patients, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and more effective treatment outcomes.
Dr Tejaswi said studies have shown that adopting such a model can reduce unnecessary diagnostic tests and procedures, lowering the overall cost of healthcare.
He added that the method contributes to improved mental wellbeing, with reductions in anxiety and depression, while enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.
Emphasising the role of empathy in clinical practice, Dr Tejaswi said doctors must go beyond sympathy and develop a deeper understanding of patients’ circumstances to provide effective care.
He said person-centred medicine not only makes healthcare more humane but is also supported by scientific evidence as a model capable of delivering improved clinical results.
