Elicit the patient's desire for information. Adults prefer to set their own agendas, and they learn better when they can control the flow of information. Use epidemiologic and clinical evidence. As clinical decision making becomes increasingly based on scientific evidence, it is reasonable to share that evidence with patients. Epidemiologic data can assist in formulating an approach to patient education.
Scientific evidence can help persuade patients about the effectiveness of various interventions.
Use ancillary personnel and professional patient educators when appropriate. One reason that physicians often fail to perform adequate patient education is that the time available for a patient encounter is constrained, and education must be performed along with a long list of other tasks. Reimbursement for educational activities is poor. Furthermore, physicians are not trained to be effective health educators, and many feel uncomfortable in this role. Fortunately, in many settings, trained health educators, such as those specializing in diabetes or cardiac disease, are available.