Paradoxes of person‐centred care: A discussion paper

AIM: Previous research has mainly focused on the advantages of PCC and less on its disadvantages. Hence, there is a need to further explore the recent research regarding PCC from both sides. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of PCC. DESIGN: Discussion paper. METHODS: We searched relevant literature published January 2000–March 2018 in PubMed, Medline, CHINAL, Scopus and Web of Science. RESULTS: The results showed that PCC can contribute to improved health and well‐being, improved mutual interaction in relationships, improved cost‐effectiveness and improved work environment, while the disadvantages can involve increased personal and financial costs, exclusion of certain groups, increased personal and financial costs, exclusion of staff's personhood and unfairness due to empathy. An analysis of the existing literature on PCC showed paradoxes, which call for further investigation.