What is meant by patient-centredness being value-based?

OBJECTIVE To examine whether it is possible to further specify what is meant when we maintain that patient-centredness as a communication skill is a value-based clinical procedure. DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Since a core element in patient-centredness is associated with patients feeling respected, a study regarding encounters where patients felt respected was analysed. RESULTS Similarities were found between the core elements of patient-centredness in terms of inviting, listening, and summarizing, and patients feeling respected in terms of listening, having their questions answered, and believing in what they tell their GP. CONCLUSION Even though what is respected cannot be specified, the authors' analysis indicates that feeling respected is frequently and strongly associated with encounters reflecting core aspects of patient-centredness. In this sense, patient-centredness might be considered value-based. Future research might shed light on what is actually respected: is it the patient's autonomy, integrity, dignity, or honour?