How to teach the patient

TEACHING OF PATIENTS

The choice of what to teach the patient is based on:

            What we know about the patient; information gained by study of the chart, doctor's comments, conversation with the patient.

2) The patient' s physical conditions: even seriously ill patients learn from your attitude. Example Cleanliness, need for emergency, etc.

            The interest of the patient: at first most likely to be interested in his disease - what he needs to know to get well, to live with residual condition to prevent relapse and to help others to avoid it.

            Secondary interests: knowledge of use to his family or general interest.

            Patient' s intelligence: some are able to learn on a higher level than others.

            Probable ability to apply teaching.

            Facts for immediate use - not something vague for future.

            Material related to local customs.

            Nurse's knowledge : thorough preparation.

            Consultation with notes, texts and senior staff, so that the nurse thoroughly understands the material herself. She should not try to teach in advance of her own knowledge.

How to teach the patient: 

1. By Quoting Example:

The nurse's personal appearance, the conscience with which she carries out her work, his/her attention to sanitation and health rules and other good health practices will be observed and followed by the patients.

2.  By telling:

The nurse must establish a good relationship for teaching between patient and him/her and must gain the patient's confidence. She/he should use simple language, avoiding foreign or technical words, and teach only one or two facts at a time, choosing the most important. Stress should be laid on positive action, especially on the DO' s rather than on the

DON'T' s.

              By showing:

"One look is worth a thousand words".

Demonstrate to the patient by actually doing.

Show the article you are talking about, the kind he would use at home. Let him touch it or hold it.

Explain what you are doing and why.

When possible let the patient demonstrate in return.

Use pictures, flash-cards, books, sample articles or models,

4.  By reviewing:

"Repetition teaches"

Ask the patient to tell you what you have taught, both at the end of the conversation and the next day.

Make any corrections or additions if necessary. Allow the patient to tell facts that are right.

5.  By approving:

Give praise and recognition for learning of making improvements.