In: Nursing
what three things the nurse has to take into consideration when providing patient education? why are these important?
Patient education is nothing but the professionals in health field provides information to patients about their own health status and needs. It helps patients to improve their health status by modification in their health related behaviors.
3 things to consider:
1. While giving education to patient, the respective needs to be pointed out. Make sure that he or she understands the instructions; it can give either by showing a CD or providing leaflet or pamphlet. Clear if any doubts or questions they have.
2. Establish good relation by asking general questions before start teaching. Give more consideration to specific patient concerns. Use module according to the health status of patient. Eg: verbal communication is not useful for hearing impaired client, provide hearing aids.
3. Family play a major role in health care management. So during teaching, try to include family members also. Bacause patient can be emotionally or physically stressed or old age and cannot be concentrated fully.
Importance:
1. Through education, patients could be aware and well-informed about their own health. It will reduce the anxiety and builds the interpersonal relationship between patient and care giver.
2. It helps patient to take a better decision regarding diagnosis, treatment and look at ways to prevent it.
3. Patient can be able to self-manage during their care.
4. An educated patient improve their overall health more quickly and efficiently than a anxious patient thereby both the patient and the care provider can save time with reduction in unnecessary admissions, phone calls.
5. At last, individuals health outcomes and entire health care system will be improved.