Patient-centered healthcare requires engagement from both doctors and patients

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control notes that lack of communication in healthcare leads to errors and increased patient safety risks. In an interview, Sanita Janka, Director of the Health Care Department at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes that doctors should speak in language patients understand, avoid excessive medical jargon, and use alternative information methods such as visual materials or patient coordinators.

Currently, patient coordinator services are only available in oncology, but plans are to expand to home and palliative care, as well as other fields. These coordinators help patients organize tests and treatment, especially in regions.

Janka notes that patients often choose tests themselves, but doctors must explain their necessity. There is also a tendency to start with expensive tests like CT scans instead of cheaper alternatives. Doctors should inform patients about radiation risks.

Remote communication, such as WhatsApp chats, can be useful but must be used cautiously because patients may not objectively describe symptoms. A doctor should not prescribe medication without a physical examination if the patient is bedridden or hard to reach.

Regarding rehabilitation, Janka reminds that medical rehabilitation is part of treatment and should start as early as possible. Family doctors can refer patients to a physiotherapist up to five times. Rehabilitation is not a social service and is not automatically granted each year.

For lonely patients, collaboration between health and social care is needed. Hospice teams and health points in nursing homes have been introduced, but capacity is still insufficient.

Patient-centered care means seeing the whole person – not just the diagnosis but also social and financial issues. Patients should be active, ask questions, and take care of their health. Doctors should show empathy and respect, even in a short consultation. According to Janka, mistakes should be addressed by analyzing the system, not by punishing doctors.