Table 1 The four basic principles to take away from the experience of patient guardians in the African context
From: Patient guardians as an instrument for person centered care
Definition | A patient’s relative, friend or less frequently a designated hospital-employee, operating as an extension of the patient’s hospital care support system and recognized as such by health care providers |
Value | Structured educational sessions empower guardians with healthcare knowledge that can be shared with their respective communities. |
Education | The patient guardian teaching model occurs in the health facility, in a structured setting, and continues into practice in the community. This benefits the patient’s recovery at home, and helps set an example for others in their respective community. |
Person Centered | Further study of this model may reinforce and support a person centered care and expanded chronic care model in the high-income countries [15]. |