Social and environmental factors and barriers (Social barriers and facilitators)

A patient’s social and environmental context plays an important role in their ability to understand and apply the education we provide. Factors such as support systems, work, family responsibilities, financial limitations, or cultural beliefs can impact their ability to engage in their care.

Example questions to ask to explore social and environmental factors:

• “How are you coping?
• “Do you need assistance/help with completing tasks?”
• “How has it affected your social/work tasks?”
• “What is important for you to get back to doing?”
• “Are there any challenges or barriers that might make it difficult?”
• “What do you think we can focus on today that will be most important for you to be able to manage what is most important to you?”
• “Do you have access to exercise facilities or space at home to do your exercises?”

Tip: Be mindful that social and environmental factors can shape a patient’s ability to engage with education. Tailor your approach by considering their daily challenges, support systems, and personal priorities to make learning relevant and easily actionable.