Determining patient education needs.

Abstract

Patients will learn more readily if you teach them what they want to know, in a way suited to their style of learning. The current emphasis in education is on the learner: What is that learner like? What are his or her beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors? What is his or her level of knowledge? You need to know all these things--and more--when you embark on a program of patient education. This article offers a step-by-step guide in determining your patients' educational needs.