Which component is included in patient-centered communication?

• A. Physician preferences only
• B. Patient needs, preferences, and values
• C. Time-saving over patient engagement
• D. Excluding patient from decision-making

Answer: (B)

Patient-centered communication centers on treating the patient as an active partner, guiding the conversation with their needs, preferences, and values. This means the clinician listens, asks open questions, shares information in understandable terms, and works with the patient to make decisions that align with what matters most to them. When care is built around what the patient wants and values, communication becomes a collaborative process aimed at understanding and shared decision-making, which can improve satisfaction and outcomes.

Focusing only on the physician’s preferences ignores the patient’s perspective. Prioritizing time-saving over patient engagement undermines the goal of collaboration. Excluding the patient from decisions is the opposite of patient-centered care.