Essaythe Influence Patient Education Has in Health Care Using the Experiences of a Patient
Essay
.
Patient health care shifted over time. Formerly patients passively stood by the advice
given by their clinicians. Health care was based on authoritarianism hence patients were given a
scarce amount of information and health professionals decided what information was given.
Conversely over time patients showed more initiative and got more involved with their health
care. Health professional’s fostering more patient-centered teaching to enhance patient
compliance and promote patient satisfaction (Falvo, 2011, pg., 222). Patients need to
understand their condition to make decisions or follow recommendations therefore collaboration
amongst the health care professional and the patient is crucial. Teaching elderly patients often
presents challenging for the health professional and the patient due to barriers like mental
changes, chronic diseases, and sensory changes. Additionally the elderly life experiences and
family members can also affect patient education. Clinicians have to adapt their teaching to
each individuals needs for the preeminent outcome.
I choose to interview my colleague Helen; a 56-year-old woman that had two meniscus tears just a couple of years ago and needed surgery.
Me: “Did a patient education representative give you instructions on how to care for yourself
after your operation?”
Helen: “After my first surgery the nurse advised me that I needed physical thearpy, according to
her it will help with blood flow to the area and reduction in recovery time. She discouraged me
to take pain medication because they interfere with the healing process by masking the pain.
I than was given a cane to help me with walking and the nurse instructed for me to take it easy
and to not overdo it.”
The involving of patients in patient education is significant it promotes cooperation and collaboration between he health professional and the patient (Falvo, 2011, pg.,
.
Patient health care shifted over time. Formerly patients passively stood by the advice
given by their clinicians. Health care was based on authoritarianism hence patients were given a
scarce amount of information and health professionals decided what information was given.
Conversely over time patients showed more initiative and got more involved with their health
care. Health professional’s fostering more patient-centered teaching to enhance patient
compliance and promote patient satisfaction (Falvo, 2011, pg., 222). Patients need to
understand their condition to make decisions or follow recommendations therefore collaboration
amongst the health care professional and the patient is crucial. Teaching elderly patients often
presents challenging for the health professional and the patient due to barriers like mental
changes, chronic diseases, and sensory changes. Additionally the elderly life experiences and
family members can also affect patient education. Clinicians have to adapt their teaching to
each individuals needs for the preeminent outcome.
I choose to interview my colleague Helen; a 56-year-old woman that had two meniscus tears just a couple of years ago and needed surgery.
Me: “Did a patient education representative give you instructions on how to care for yourself
after your operation?”
Helen: “After my first surgery the nurse advised me that I needed physical thearpy, according to
her it will help with blood flow to the area and reduction in recovery time. She discouraged me
to take pain medication because they interfere with the healing process by masking the pain.
I than was given a cane to help me with walking and the nurse instructed for me to take it easy
and to not overdo it.”
The involving of patients in patient education is significant it promotes cooperation and collaboration between he health professional and the patient (Falvo, 2011, pg.,
References: Falvo, Donna R. (2011). Effective Patient Education: a guide to increased adherence / Donna R. Falvo. —4th edition. Jewel, S. (1994). Patient participation: What does it mean to nurses? Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 19(3), 433-438. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=1994186380&site=ehost-live&scope=site Snell, L., & White, L. (2011). A Sociocognitive Approach to Service Quality and Adherence Amongst Elderly Patients: A Pilot Study. Health Marketing Quarterly, 28(2), 99-115. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2011053607&site=ehost-live&scope=site Whittle, H., & Goldenberg, D. (1996). Functional health status and instrumental activities of daily living performance in noninstitutionalized elderly people. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 23(2), 220-227. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=1996010730&site=ehost-live&scope=site