Which statement best describes patient-centered medical home (PCMH) in nursing practice?

• A. An episodic, physician-centered approach focused on acute visits
• B. A system that replaces primary care with urgent care clinics
• C. A care delivery model emphasizing coordinated, accessible, comprehensive, patient-centered care
• D. A model that prioritizes cost over patient outcomes

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is a care delivery approach that places the patient at the center of primary care by organizing services around accessibility, coordination, comprehensiveness, and ongoing relationships. In this model, care is coordinated across the entire health system, with a team-based approach led by primary care, supported by health information technology, and focused on maintaining continuous, preventive, and proactive care rather than reacting only to problems as they arise. It also centers the patient and family in decision-making, respecting their values and preferences and ensuring care plans are understandable and actionable.

In nursing practice, this means nurses help ensure timely access to care (such as same-day appointments), manage and coordinate follow-up across specialists and settings, provide education and self-management support, and maintain the patient’s overall health journey through proactive monitoring and prevention. The emphasis is on building a trusting, ongoing relationship with patients to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction while using resources efficiently.

This description would not fit an episodic, physician-centered focus on acute visits, nor would it align with replacing primary care with urgent care clinics. It also doesn’t reflect a system that prioritizes cost over patient outcomes; the aim is to improve health outcomes through better coordination and access, with cost considerations as a result of more efficient, effective care.