'patient-centered' originates from the combination of 'patient' and 'centered', where 'patient' refers to a person receiving medical care and 'centered' means focused or concentrated on.

The term 'patient-centered' evolved from the broader concept of 'centered' approaches in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of the patient's role in their own care.

Initially, it meant focusing on the patient's needs, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.