Understanding Person-Centeredness in a Systemic Perspective: Implications for Long-Term Care

Person-centeredness is generally viewed at the interpersonal level of one-on-one interactions, but broader systemic components affect these interactions. Individuals (micro level) are embedded institutions (meso level) which are embedded in society (macro level), all of which affect person-centeredness. This special article draws on five discussion groups with diverse participants to better understand person-centeredness in a systemic context. Insight indicated four key issues inherent in person-centeredness: that it varies based on the system; that principles from one system can be applied to another; that limits on person-centeredness are necessary for system success; and that the amount of person-centeredness within a system is dependent upon resources, resulting in societal inequities. These insights are integrated to provide implications for practice, policy, and research related to healthcare and long-term care for older adults.