Chart 1.

The four interactive components of the person-centered clinical method

Exploring health, illness and the experience of illness
Personal and unique perceptions and experiences of health (meaning and aspirations) Clinical and work history General physical examination, focused on complaints and work activity Complementary examinations, including those necessary for work activity and recommended in the Occupational Health Medical Control Program (when applicable) Dimensions of the experience of the disease (feelings, ideas, expectations and overall functionality, including the worker’s activity)
Understanding the person as a whole
The person (life story and personal and developmental issues) The immediate context (family, work, exposure to occupational hazards, and social support) The broader context (culture, community, and ecosystem)
Developing a joint plan to manage problems
Problems and priorities Treatment and/or management goals The roles of the person and the professional Assessment of suitability for work in relation to needs such as (re)adaptation, work leaves, and ergonomic guidelines
Compassion and empathy Power Healing and hope Self-knowledge and practical wisdom Transference and countertransference

Source: Adapted from Stewart et al.¹⁴