Leading the Way: Advancing Patient Advocacy through People-Centred Care.

Abstract

This article presents how the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario developed the People-Centred Care, 3^rd edition best practice guideline and describes its use in advancing patient advocacy by implementing the three guiding principles, two evidence-based recommendations and five good practice statements. Furthermore, the guideline equips leaders and organizations with implementation tips to promote patient autonomy, address systemic barriers, and foster inclusive, advocacy-driven care. We emphasize leadership's role in fostering cultures of engagement, collaboration, and empowerment. This is a critical tool for organizations, leaders, and providers seeking to embed patient advocacy within practice and policy. It underscores the transformative potential of leadership-driven advocacy in advancing people-centred care and ensuring health systems prioritize the voices, needs, and experiences of those they serve.