In the patient-centered medical model, decisions are made with which consideration?

• A. All decisions by clinicians
• B. All decisions must be made with the patient in mind
• C. Decisions by family members
• D. Guidelines are the only basis for decisions

Answer: (B)

In patient-centered care, decisions are guided by the patient’s values, preferences, and goals, with the patient actively involved in the process. This approach emphasizes shared decision-making: clinicians explain options, risks, and benefits, while patients express what matters most to them and participate in choosing the plan. That collaboration respects autonomy and tends to improve engagement and outcomes.

The other options miss this collaborative, patient-focused dynamic. Having clinicians decide alone ignores the patient’s preferences. Letting only family members decide excludes the patient’s own wishes. Relying solely on guidelines overlooks the need to tailor decisions to an individual’s context and values, even though guidelines can inform the discussion.