Involve patients in their treatment process, health PS Kimtai urges

Medical Services Principal Secretary, Harry Kimtai (pictured) has urged healthcare providers to involve patients in decision-making for better health outcomes as healthcare workers’ strike enters week four.

Speaking at Kenyatta National Hospital during the health facility’s patient-centred care symposium at the KNH Research and Training Centre, Kimtai noted that the aspect of quality care recognises the fact that treating a person receiving care with dignity and respect enhances satisfactory patient experience.

“Beyond the technical correctness of healthcare services, patient care ought to be provided humanely,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of the eight patient-centred care principles which include; respect, access to care, coordination and care integration, information and education, emotional support, involvement of family and friends, continuity of care, and physical comfort.

“Research has confirmed that better outcomes are reported when the patients, families, and healthcare workers communicate effectively, this enables them to work towards a common desired outcome,” the PS stated.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to integrating patient-centred care into healthcare delivery strategies.

Kimtai noted that the symposium’s theme: “Advancing Equitable Access to Quality Healthcare:  for Sustainable Development,” is timely in the era of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where the call is to address access to care services.

“While addressing financial barriers to healthcare, it is imperative to take note of the quality of healthcare services that are effective, safe, and patient-centred,” he said.

Informed consent

And as Kenya rolls out the new health financing model, the PS noted that the government is committed to ensuring every financial investment adds value to the Kenyan at the bottom of the pyramid. “Care ought to be responsive and patient-centred from the lowest level to the tertiary level,” he stated ahead of the World Health Day (WHD), 2024 which was marked yesterday.

The key messages according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for populations are for them to know their health rights, because they have the right to.

“You should also demand for safe and quality care, without any discrimination; privacy and confidentiality of your health information,” WHO says.

The public is also asked to know information about their treatment through informed consent, and make decisions about their own health.