Health education should be a lifelong pursuit for all of us. The ultimate goal of all medical professionals is to encourage and teach healthy habits and behaviors to all patients. People first have to understand what is good for them, and then they have to make a decision to follow that advice. In patient education, the medical assistant both shares information and encourages patients to make good health decisions.

In this chapter you will learn about the medical assistant's role in patient education. You will sharpen your skills in recognizing and overcoming road blocks to education. You will become more comfortable with teaching and demonstrating procedures to others. Most importantly, you will begin to recognize the incredible responsibility of the medical assistant to correctly lead others to their highest level of health.

Outline

• The Educated Patient
• Types of Patient Education
• Promoting Good Health Through Education
• The Patient Information Packet
• Educating Patients With Special Needs
• Patient Education Prior to Surgery
• Additional Educational Resources

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 14, you will be able to:

 14.1 Identify the benefits of patient education.
 14.2 Explain the role of the medical assistant in patient education.
 14.3 Discuss factors that affect teaching and learning.
 14.4 Describe patient education materials used in the medical office.
 14.5 Explain how patient education can be used to promote good health habits.
 14.6 Identify the types of information that should be included in the patient information packet.
 14.7 Discuss techniques for educating patients with special needs.
 14.8 Explain the benefits of patient education prior to surgery, and identify types of preoperative teaching.
 14.9 List educational resources that are available outside the medical office.

Summary

Patient education plays a key role in many aspects of patient care. Knowledgeable patients are able to take an active approach to their own medical care. They are also likely to be aware of the benefits of activities that promote and protect their health.

There are many reasons for patient education in the medical office. Patients need to understand their medical conditions and to be prepared for necessary procedures. Many opportunities exist to educate patients about the benefits of good health. In addition, patients need to be informed of the policies of the medical office.

Many educational resources are available to both medical assistants and patients. The key for medical assistants is to take advantage of all opportunities to educate patients and to match this teaching to the needs of individual patients.