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Saturday, January 7, 2017

Merits Of Using Patient Education Handouts In Instruction

By Matthew Thomas


Gone are the days when people used to hang on every word the doctors said. You should educate them on how to prevent diseases and promote their health. It will lead to a higher level of well-being. Patient education handouts are very effective in passing the message across.

You will be able to explain in detail various phenomena when you use these materials. You cannot do this on slides because they have to be kept light in order to make sure they do not appear cluttered. Patients can take them for future references too.

You have the opportunity to better explain technical and complicated matters through typing them. Also, there is the choice to bold the key points and even use color highlights to set them apart. At the end, you can include information on references and case studies which are relevant to the details. Also, any collateral materials and literature in marketing your work and even contact information can be noted.

Because you cannot expect all of your patients to read case studies or medical textbooks in order to understand certain issues better, you can summarize the points you want them to take home. Depending on the information you wish to share, you can give the handouts before or after the session. It is good to give them before when the information is technical. They can go though the materials quickly before the start so as to understand better when you start explaining. Also, they can formulate relevant questions when they have the details with them.

You should not be reluctant on professionalism just because you have the option to type the details. Use font size which does not strain the eyes to read. Also, use black ink on white background unless you are working under special circumstances. Varying your presentation styles is important.

You need to be cautious in editing. You might overdo the work in the name of styling. Thus, do not produce a copy which has being overly edited to appear absurd. Other educators who have prepared handouts before can be consulted. Also, ask them if they have standard templates you can use.

Make sure the population you are addressing can read before you decide to use handouts. There is no need to go to extra lengths in order to prepare the documents when they will be of no help. They should be used on patients who are literate. Also, make sure the language is within their level. Do not include complicated medical terms.

You ought to produce enough copies so that everyone gets the document. To avoid problems, get the exact number of the patients who will be participating in the session. It is advisable to have extra copies in case some people who were included join you. It will be easier to hand them out instead of excusing yourself to make more copies. Good preparation is crucial before any lesson starts. You need to have great instruction skills so as to deliver the intended message well. Educating your patients on matters affecting their health is not a matter to be taken lightly.




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