A Note on Client and Family Centered Care

Canadian healthcare systems utilize a client-centered approach, which may be different from the expert focused approach some internationally educated applicants may be used to:

Client & Family-Centered

Expert offers knowledge, expertise, and recommendations; client is responsible for analyzing and evaluating information offered by expert and making informed decisions about their own care. Clients, as well as their families and care partners, may expect to be closely involved in their care, including decision-making processes and formal decisions.

Expert Focused

Expert is responsible for imparting knowledge and making decisions; client is responsible for accepting the knowledge shared and decisions made about their care by the expert.

Practicing client-centered care may require you to develop the following competencies:

Engaging with the client to clarify their values, beliefs, assumptions, expectations, and wishes about their care.

Establishing a shared understanding of the client’s concerns and priorities.

Incorporating the client’s perspectives of their needs and goals into your service provision.

Encouraging client participation in decision making.