Voice of the patient: the essence of patient-centered care

Health care is being compelled to adopt patient-centered care. Consumers, professionals, and health care and community organizations are partnering to bring the voice of patients to health care reform. Nurses may recognize some professional organizations involved, such as the Institute of Medicine and The Joint Commission. Patient advocacy groups and other organizations playing an important role in reform may be less familiar. There are many consumer groups and organizations working to elevate the voice of patients in health care. This article presents the work of just a few who are changing health care.