Educational Strategies to Boost Patient Understanding and Build Stronger Provider-Patient Relationships.
Educational Strategies for Patient Understanding
In today’s busy healthcare environment, helping patients truly understand their care can make a world of difference. Studies show that well-informed patients tend to experience better health outcomes, follow their treatment plans more closely, and feel more confident in managing their health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020; Health and Human Services [HHS], 2021). But with all the different needs, health literacy levels, and attention spans, making information stick isn’t always easy. Here, we explore practical strategies that can boost patient understanding and build stronger provider-patient relationships.
Use Plain Language to Keep it Clear
Clear communication is the foundation of patient education. Health information can be a lot to take in, especially when it’s loaded with medical jargon. Research shows that using plain language—keeping things simple and straightforward—can really improve understanding and retention (HHS, 2021). For example, instead of saying “antipyretic,” healthcare providers can say “fever reducer.” By simplifying language, we make it easier for patients to process the info and feel more in control of their care (CDC, 2020).
Quick Tip: Try swapping out any technical terms for simpler ones and encourage patients to repeat back what they heard in their own words. This not only confirms understanding but also helps them feel more comfortable.
Incorporate Visual Aids and Infographics
Not everyone processes information the same way, and visuals can make a huge difference for those who find text-heavy instructions overwhelming. Diagrams, infographics, and flowcharts break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand pieces—especially for visual learners (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2020). Imagine a step-by-step guide to a surgical procedure or a colorful chart for a medication schedule. These tools make information clear and memorable.
Quick Tip: Invest in quality visuals that are easy to access both in print and online, so patients can refer back to them at home.
Apply the Teach-Back Method
The teach-back method is a favorite in patient education. This technique involves asking patients to explain the information back to you in their own words, which shows they’ve truly understood it. Teach-back isn’t about testing patients; it’s about making sure they’re comfortable and confident with the info provided (Institute for Healthcare Improvement [IHI], 2019).
Quick Tip: Incorporate teach-back for instructions that are a bit more complex, like medication schedules or lifestyle changes. It’s a great way to catch any misunderstandings on the spot.
Tailor Content to Different Learning Styles
Everyone has a different way of learning. While some patients may appreciate written materials, others might prefer a quick video or an interactive resource. Offering information in multiple formats—like printed guides, online videos, and even audio recordings—helps ensure that every patient can engage with their care in a way that works for them (HHS, 2021).
Quick Tip: Ask patients about their preferred learning style if possible and provide resources accordingly. A little personalization can go a long way in helping them retain critical information.
Utilize Technology for Ongoing Education
Healthcare doesn’t end when patients leave the office, so why should their education? Patient portals, interactive websites, and health apps make it easy for patients to access information anytime. Apps are especially useful for setting medication reminders, tracking health stats, and keeping patients connected with educational resources, making learning ongoing and accessible (AHRQ, 2020; World Health Organization [WHO], 2019).
Quick Tip: Recommend a few trusted health apps or online resources that align with your patients' needs. These tools can make all the difference in keeping them engaged and informed.
By embracing these strategies, healthcare providers can improve communication, empower patients, and ultimately create a more positive healthcare experience. When patients feel informed and supported, they’re more likely to follow through with treatments and make proactive decisions about their health. If you're looking to enhance your approach to patient education, start by exploring how these techniques can fit into your practice. With patient-centered communication, we can make healthcare a little easier to navigate and a lot more impactful (CDC, 2020; WHO, 2019).
Written By: Thea McDougall
Founder & CEO, Vital Narratives
Visit Us: www.vitalnarratives.com
Contact Us: info@vitalnarratives.com
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Health Literacy Basics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html
Health and Human Services. (2021). National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy. Retrieved from https://health.gov/our-work/health-literacy/national-action-plan-improve-health-literacy
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2019). Strategies to Improve Patient Education. Retrieved from http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/Strategies-to-Improve-Patient-Education.aspx
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). The Effectiveness of Patient Education. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/
World Health Organization. (2019). The Role of Health Literacy in Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-literacy
