Almedalen

What practical obstacles stand in the way of real patient power? Examples from Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra in Gothenburg, where research findings are quickly implemented, indicate that person-centred care can shorten hospital stays, and patients are more satisfied. At a seminar during Almedal week, representatives from the department related how they had succeeded in shortening length of stay by twelve per cent after just six months. “Specifically, providing person-centred care means that we now ask each patient three questions: Why are you here? How do you perceive your problems? What are your goals for this hospital stay? ” says Elin Hultgren, specialty registrar at the internal medicine department.