There is a pressing need to emphasise patient-centred care both in universities and in the professional field, an expert said during the ongoing International Conference on 'The Foundation of Health and Well Being'. Dr Nabil Kurashi of King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia was speaking on 'Patient-Centred Care and the Role of Family Doctors'. Dr Kurashi defined patient-centred care as 'treating patients as partners, involving them in planning their healthcare encouraging them to take responsibility for their own health.' He said that patient-centred care promotes right communication needed to encourage understanding and acceptance of the patient of his medical condition and thus, positively aid him through his recovery. Dr Kurashi said that patient-centred care should be highlighted at the outset. "Stress should be given on patient-centred learning than institutional-centred learning," he pointed out. "Patient-centred care begets better patient adherence," he said citing that studies show a high percentage of patients do not follow medication regimen for lack of communication with the doctors. "Some even dispose the medicine the moment they exit the clinic," he observed adding that doctors should explain to patients their medical condition using terms they could understand. He also said that patients want better communication with doctors and for doctors to emphasise partnership. "Patient-centred care could help patients become medical decision makers," he said. He also said doctors must make sure that patients accept their assessment by clearly explaining it to them since it avoids waste of time. the peninsula

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