Person-Centred Care

Aim of the course

The course aims to give health and social care workers the knowledge and confidence to provide respectful, individualised care that promotes choice, dignity, independence, participation and positive outcomes.

It helps learners move away from task-focused or routine-led care and understand how to work in partnership with individuals, families, representatives and the wider care team.

Scope of the course

This awareness course is suitable for:

1. Care assistants and healthcare support workers
2. Nurses and nursing associates
3. Senior carers and team leaders
4. Support workers and personal assistants
5. Domiciliary and supported-living staff
6. Care-home and other health and social care employees
7. New starters and existing staff requiring refresher training

The course supports the principles of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Equality Act 2010, CQC Regulation 9 and the Care Certificate standards.

It provides underpinning knowledge but does not, by itself, confirm workplace competence. Where practical skills or Care Certificate outcomes apply, learners must also be observed and assessed by an appropriately experienced workplace assessor. Skills for Care: Care Certificate standards

Topics covered

1. Meaning and principles of person-centred care
2. Individuality, dignity, respect, rights and privacy
3. Recognising personal history, identity, culture and beliefs
4. Understanding individual needs, wishes and preferences
5. Promoting choice, control and informed decision-making
6. Supporting independence, strengths and positive risk-taking
7. Involving individuals in assessments and care planning
8. Using communication methods appropriate to the individual
9. Working with families, advocates and multidisciplinary teams
10. Mental capacity, consent and best-interest decision-making
11. Responding to pain, discomfort and changes in wellbeing
12. Reviewing care when needs or preferences change
13. Maintaining accurate, respectful and person-centred records
14. Challenging task-focused, discriminatory or institutional practice
15. Raising and reporting concerns through agreed procedures

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

1. Define person-centred care and explain why it is important.
2. Identify the values that underpin person-centred practice.
3. Explain how identity, culture, beliefs, relationships and life history influence care.
4. Describe how to involve individuals in decisions about their care and daily lives.
5. Recognise the difference between person-centred and task-focused practice.
6. Explain how to promote choice, dignity, independence and positive risk-taking.
7. Describe how communication can be adapted to meet individual needs.
8. Explain the relationship between consent, mental capacity and person-centred decision-making.
9. Recognise pain, discomfort and changes that may require action or escalation.
10. Contribute appropriately to person-centred care plans and records.
11. Explain when family members, representatives or advocates may be involved.
12. Identify and report practice that fails to respect an individual’s rights, needs or preferences.