Patient Education Management Archives – January 1, 2003
January 1, 2003
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Myths and misinformation: Patients make decisions without all the facts
Patients dont always make their health care decisions based on facts. They often determine whether they should see a doctor, follow a treatment plan, or adhere to certain prevention guidelines on misconceptions and faulty information they gleaned from the media, family and friends, the Internet, and other sources. -
Education key to dispelling health care’s many myths
One way to dispel myths consumers have about health care is to make sure that the staff who work with patients are educated on the topics that cause confusion, says Eileen Murray, RN, BSN, a neonatal educator at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, Egleston Campus. -
Joint Commission looking for outcomes measurement
Patient education managers should make outcomes measurement a high priority, says Barbara Moore, MPA, CPHQ, an instructor at the Amarillo (TX) Veterans Affairs Health Care System. These measurements are important when seeking funding for a new program or resources as well as renewed funding. Administrators want to know if the programs are worth funding, if they are effective, she explains. -
Make sure pamphlets are working as education tools
Written handouts work best when used as a supplement to reinforce personal instruction that is given verbally. -
Is that the final draft? Let patients review
Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE, has a materials review process in place that ensures handouts are medically correct and professional. Yet the review process didnt include consumers until last year when the public relations committee decided their input was vital. -
Review process improves the quality of handouts
Its not only important to create educational handouts that patients will read; it is equally vital that health care professionals use the materials. -
Chiropractic care isn’t too much of a stretch
Many people see chiropractors to help control back or joint pain, but usually by the time pain appears as a symptom a large amount of joint degeneration has taken place, says Scott Bautch, DC, past president of the Occupational Health Council for the Arlington, VA-based American Chiropractic Association and a practicing chiropractor in Wausau, WI. -
March is the month to focus on kidneys
Although 20 million people are at risk for chronic kidney disease, most arent even aware of the potential health threat, according to the National Kidney Foundation based in New York City. -
News Briefs
CDC recommends use of alcohol hand rubs; Promotion of events on patient education; Share your success stories.