Draws on research conducted by The Picker/Commonwealth Program for Patient-Centered Care. This edition offers a research-based look at the experiences and needs of patients, and explores models of care that can make the experience of hospitalization more humane.

In this comprehensive, research-based look at the experiences and needs of patients, the authors explore models of care that can make hospitalization more humane. The authors show how, by bringing the patient's perspective to the design and delivery of health serices, providers can improve their ability to meet patient's needs and enhance the quality of care. New and important research conducted by the Picker/Commonwealth Program for Patient-Centered Care is described and used throughout the book.