Patient education and the consultation: the importance of lay beliefs

Article Abstract:

Patient education can play an important role in increasing the patient's understanding of his or her medical condition and in improving the overall health and well-being of the patient. One-on-one consultations between physician and patient have been used in order to educate patients with arthritis. The consultations follow a set format that includes establishing the patient's prior medical history, a physical examination, and an explanation of the patient's condition. In a recent review of 54 patients with arthritis who had private consultations following this format, 29 said that they were satisfied with the results of the consultation. However, many of the patients were dissatisfied with their consultation because they felt that the doctor did not understand the severity of their problem, they felt that the consultation was not long enough, or because they felt that they had forgotten to tell the doctor important details about their condition. Several studies have tried to measure the success of the consultation based on what the patient remembered about the consultation. It is estimated that half of the patients can recall everything that happens during a consultation, but nearly 75 percent of these patients disagree with or reject what the doctor says, based on their own personal beliefs. It is clear that the personal beliefs of the patient, right or wrong, will greatly influence the behavior of the patient. A patient is most likely to follow the doctor's advice and prescribed treatment if the information provided by the doctor during the consultation is in agreement with the patient's own personal beliefs. While consultations are a routine part of a doctor's day, they can be very difficult for the patient. Most patients are very nervous about having a consultation, and as a result they do not ask the right questions, and they do not receive the information that they want. Physicians are becoming aware that consultations do not provide the best setting for patient education. Specialized clinics with group sessions may provide a better environment for educating patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Practice, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Patients, Rheumatology, Medical consultants

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Advances in patient education in rheumatic disease

Article Abstract:

Patient education can be defined as any form of learning experience that results in behavioral changes that improve the health of the patient. There are several different forms of patient education, including lectures, seminars, written material (pamphlets), and private consultations with physicians. The goals in educating patients with chronic diseases are to control the severity of the disease so that the patient can perform daily activities and have a job, to improve the psychological well-being of the patient, and to allow the patient to maintain social interactions with others. Patient education can be broken down into three separate parts: knowledge, behavior and health outcomes. The first part, knowledge, involves providing the patient with appropriate background information. Several programs have been established for educating patients who have arthritis. A recent review of 34 of these education programs concluded that 94 percent of the programs succeeded in increasing the knowledge of the patients. The second part, behavior, involves making changes in daily habits and life style, such as exercise, relaxation, joint protection, and following the prescribed drug treatments. In a recent study, 48 different programs for modifying the behavior of patients with arthritis were identified. A review of these programs showed that 77 percent actually succeeded in changing patient behavior for the better. However, compliance with drug treatments and physical therapy was only 50 percent. The third part, health outcomes, evaluates whether the knowledge and changes in behavior improve the health of the patient. A review of 76 health education programs for patients with arthritis concluded that 61 percent of the patients did show signs of improved health after completing the program. It was reported that these programs helped the patients to reduce pain, disability and depression. It is concluded that education programs for patients with arthritis can be effective in improving the health of the patient. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Health counseling

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Effects of patient education on compliance with basic treatment regimens and health in recent onset active rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

An arthritis education program may improve patient compliance with self-care advice for those with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers studied the effect of six educational meetings, or no ongoing education program, in 55 RA patients. Most patients in both groups took their medications as directed. Participants in the arthritis education program spent more time exercising, were more effective at conserving their energy to prevent fatigue, and took better care protecting their joints from injury.

Evaluation, Patient compliance, Self-care, Health, Self care (Health)

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