Multilevel Conceptualization and Measurement of Person-Centeredness

Despite widespread usage in aging and health services, the concept of person-centeredness (PC) does not have a single, universal definition. This definitional challenge may be due, in part, to desired parsimony that oversimplifies the concept’s intrinsic complexity. To better understand the inherent breadth and depth of PC, 116 experts in health- and aging-related policy and practice participated in meetings to discuss PC as a concept, which led to a multilevel conceptualization of the term at the macro, meso, and micro levels. The focus, implementation, and challenges of PC were identified at these interrelated levels, creating a nuanced, contextual model. In addition, the model’s application to current measurement of PC is detailed, and recommendations are made for additional review and development to best measure PC at all levels. This innovative multilevel approach makes explicit the innately contextual nature of PC as a value-based concept, with application for policy, practice, and research.