Sponsored by the Picker/Commonwealth Program for Patient-Centered Care

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. Through the Patient's Eyes provides insights into why some hospitals are more patient-centered than others; how physicians can become more involved in patient-centered quality efforts; and how patient-centered quality can be integrated into health care policy, standards, and regulations. The authors show how, by bringing the patient's perspective to the design and delivery of health services, providers can improve their ability to meet patient's needs and enhance the quality of care.

MARGARET GERTEIS is an associate of the Picker/Commonwealth Program for Patient-Centered Care.

SUSAN EDGMAN-LEVITAN is associate director and program manager of the Picker/Commonwealth Program.

JENNIFER DALEY is assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University.

THOMAS L. DELBANCO is director of the Division of General Medicine and Primary Care at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital and director of the Picker/Commonwealth Program.