Client-centered practice in rehabilitation: definition, instruments and challenges

Abstract

Introduction: in rehabilitation, a patient’s ability cope with a health condition, make decisions, find motivation and adhere to treatment are determinants of therapeutic outcomes. Client-centered practice (CCP) recognizes and promotes patients’ interests as central to care delivery. CCP is essential for the advancement of rehabilitation. Objectives: i) identify the fundamentals of CCP, ii) describe clinical instruments available for implementing it, iii) register CCP results obtained so far, iv) analyze the main barriers and benefits of CCP. Methods: narrative review of literature from databases and reference lists. Results: based on reviewed studies, CCP is a collaborative approach to clinical practice that aims to empower patients and recognize them at the center of the decision making process, in order to deliver better care. Several simple instruments can be immediately used in clinical practice. Few studies have investigated effects of CCP in rehabilitation. Challenges at the individual level of therapists and patients as well as at the institutional level of health services need to be met in order to implement CCP.