This important Declaration is the first globally accepted definition of patient-centred healthcare developed by and representing the global patients’ movement. The five principles, expanded on in the Declaration, are:
Respect; Choice and Empowerment;
Patient Involvement in Health Policy;
Access and Support; and
Information.

The IAPO believes that following these principles will result in patient-centred healthcare.

IAPO members are patients’ organizations working at the local, national, regional and international levels to represent and support patients, their families and carers. IAPO’s vision is that patients throughout the world are at the centre of healthcare.

Health systems in all world regions need to focus on diseases rather than patients if they are to cope. They require the involvement of individual patients who adhere to their treatments, make behavioural changes and self-manage. There is growing evidence that a patient-centred approach leads to greater patient responsibility and optimal usage which in turn leads to health outcomes and improved quality of care. This means optimal value for healthcare investment and suggests that patient-centred healthcare may be the most cost-effective way to improve health outcomes for patients.

The IAPO is calling for the support and collaboration of policy-makers, health professionals, service providers, and health-related industries to endorse these Five Principles and make them the centre of their policies and practice.

To read the IAPO press release, please click HERE.

To read the Declaration, please click on the link below. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, please click HERE to download it for free.