How Doctors Can Better Understand Patient Wishes

Healthcare providers aim to deliver the best care possible, especially for those with serious illnesses. This is called goal-concordant care, or GCC. It means treating patients in a way that aligns with their personal goals and values. However, measuring whether this is happening is not straightforward. GCC is considered the gold standard for quality care. It focuses on what truly matters to the patient. But, there's a problem. Doctors and researchers struggle to find practical ways to measure it. This makes it hard to know if patients are receiving the care they truly want. Electronic clinical notes could be a solution. These notes contain valuable information about patient preferences and treatment plans. By analyzing these notes, healthcare providers might better understand if care is truly aligned with patient goals. But, there are challenges. Clinical notes are often lengthy and complex. They may not always clearly state patient goals. Additionally, different doctors might interpret notes in different ways. This can lead to inconsistencies in measuring GCC. Despite these challenges, the potential is there. With the right tools and methods, electronic clinical notes could help bridge the gap. They could provide a clearer picture of whether patients are receiving the care that truly matters to them. It's important to remember that GCC is not just about medical treatments. It's about understanding the whole person. Their fears, hopes, and what they value most in life. This is where the real quality of care lies.