This resource provides a definition and essential elements of person-centered care, based on a national consensus of a team from the American Geriatrics Society in collaboration with a team from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

• There is no consensus about what exactly constitutes person-centered care. The lack of clear definitions and terminology makes it harder to implement and spread.
• This resource defines person-centered care as care in which individuals’ values and preferences guide all aspects of their health care, supporting their realistic health and life goals.
• Essential elements include: an individualized, goal-oriented care plan based on the person’s preferences; ongoing review of the person’s goals and care plan; care supported by an interprofessional team; one lead point of contact on the team; active coordination among all health care and supportive service providers; and performance measurement using feedback from the person and caregivers.
• Major barriers include: inconsistent terminology; traditional approaches to clinical practice; physician workload; and misaligned financial incentives.