Patient Education
Patient education is a significant
component of modern health care.
A process of assisting the patient to
gain knowledge, skill, and a value or
attitude related to a health problem
or for health promotion.
Patient Education
Patient education can be divided into two
large categories—clinical patient
education (or clinical teaching and
learning) and health education.
Clinical patient education is a planned,
systematic, sequential, and logical process
of teaching and learning provided to
patients and clients in all clinical settings.
Patient Education
Clinical patient education is also a
continuous teaching and learning process
involving the health care provider and the
patient or client (and/or the patient’s
family).
The goals of clinical teaching and learning
are based on the patient’s assessment,
evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and
individual needs and requirements related
to interventions.
Patient Education
Health education is also a teaching and
learning process similar to patient education.
However, it concentrates mostly on wellness,
prevention, and health promotion.
Additionally, health education can be
provided to individuals, groups, and
communities.
The basic focus of health education is to
change and improve societal health behaviors.
Patient Education
Patient education
The are three important objectives of
patient education that may result in
positive health outcome.
Changing health behaviors
Improving health status
Improving patient compliance
Patient Education
Patient education provides health
information and instruction to help
patients learn about specific or general
medical topics.
Topics include the need for preventive
services, the adoption of healthy lifestyles,
the correct use of medications, and the
care of diseases or injuries at home.
Patient Education
Patient education
Skill Building and Responsibility –
Patients need to know when, how, and why
they need to make a lifestyle change
Group Effort – Each member of the
patient’s health care team needs to be
involved
Patient Education
Patient education
Patient Education Value is the results of
clear communication
Increased Compliance – Effective
communication and patient education
increases patient motivation to comply
Patient Outcomes – Patients more likely to
respond well to their treatment plan which
results in fewer complications
Patient Education
Patient education
Informed Consent – Patients feel you’ve
provided the information they need to
make the right decision
Utilization – More effective use of medical
services – fewer unnecessary phone calls
and visits.
Satisfaction and referrals – Patients more
likely to stay with your practice and refer
other patients.
Patient Education Rationale
Model of Patient Education Outcomes
Knowledge and Health Status
Attitude Changes Physical health
Increased understanding Well-being
Increased confidence Symptoms
Increased satisfaction Complications
Improved emotional state
Patient
Education
Print
Verbal Behavior Changes Costs
Multimedia Health services utilization Length of stay
Combination Compliance Utilization
Lifestyle Provider image
Self-care Regulatory
compliance
Patient Education - Steps
1. Assessment of the Patient – Define patient and family
needs and concerns; observe readiness to learn.
2. Design of the Instruction Plan – Set objectives with
your patient; select materials.
3. Select a Teaching Strategies and resources– Put the
plan in motion; help patients along the way to reach
the objectives you’ve set together.
4. Go teach the patient – Understand and adapt to
barriers to learning
5. Evaluate - Evaluation is critical and should be
continuous through all four steps!
Patient Education
Step 5:
Evaluate Step 1:
Learning Assessment of
Process the Patient
Step 4: Go Step 2:
teach the Design of the
patient. Instruction
Step 3: Select a
Teaching Strategies
and resources
Stromberg A. Eur. J. Heart Failure. 2005.
Patient Education - Steps
Assessment of the Patient – Define patient and
family needs and concerns; observe readiness to
learn.
Motivation – Patients are motivated when they learn
how their lives could improve. Focus on the benefits
of education.
Attitude – Denial, Fear, Anger, Anxiety – all could be
barriers to education. Patient must know that he or
she will make gains by learning new skills.
Outlook – A patient’s beliefs about their situation
could effect education. Let them know that learning
new skills can help them feel better or slow disease
progression.
Patient Education - Steps
Design of the Instruction Plan – Set objectives
with your patient; select materials.
Goals should focus on what is necessary / critical to
patient survival first.
Pay attention to patient concerns – they could stand
in the way of progress
Respect stated limits – if a patient has refused to do
something, try to work around the problem and
incorporate something new as best you can.
Helping a Patient understands the need for changing
behavior
Patient Education - Steps
Select a Teaching Strategies and resources– Put
the plan in motion; help patients along the way
to reach the objectives you’ve set together.
Providing a Good Learning Environment
Tone of voice, eye contact, and touch vary for all
cultural backgrounds
Use the knowledge you gained during assessment
Mixing Education Media
Choosing the right patient education materials
Patient Education - Steps
1. Go teach the patient – Understand and adapt
to barriers to learning
Let your patients know:
What they should do and why
When they should expect results
Possible danger signs to watch for
What they should do if problems arise
Whom they should contact for referrals
Ask the patient if they have any questions or
concerns
Patient Education - Steps
Evaluate - Evaluation is critical and should be
continuous through all four steps!
Getting Patient Feedback
Feedback from the patient and family
provides valuable perspective on the
effectiveness of patient education
Consider surveys, documents for patients to
sign, questionnaires
THANK YOU
