ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a historical perspective of the evolution of the patient-centered model, and of the clinical method that serves to implement the theoretical framework. It examines the place of the patient-centered model and clinical method in relation to other models of practice and current trends in health care. The book provides Canadian data on patient-centered care in relation to health care costs; as well, there are US data to demonstrate that patient-centered care results in lower costs for diagnostic tests and subsequent use of services. It briefly provides empirical evidence supporting the adoption of the patient-centered clinical method. The book explores the challenges in practicing the patient-centered clinical method in the current context with attention given to some common misconceptions about the patient-centered clinical method.
