Patient Education

Patient education involves healthcare professionals teaching patients about their health and choices of treatment, so they may better understand their condition. Patients can be educated in health or non-health environments, and in a formal or non-formal manner. The overall aim of patient education is to improve individual health as well as enhance the performance of the healthcare industry.

Basic Priorities

• What your patient needs to do and why
• When your patient can expect results (if applicable)
• Warning signs (if any) your patient should watch for
• What your patient should do if a problem occurs
• Who your patient should contact for questions or concerns

People are healthiest when:

1. They want to care for themselves.
2. They have the facilities to care for themselves, including well-trained, effective health personnel.
3. They know how to care for themselves.
4. They care for themselves.