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Tailoring patient education

In an earlier section, we explored key models and theories that support best-practice patient education in physiotherapy. A core principle is tailoring education to the individual patient, ensuring it is relevant, accessible, and motivating. In this section, we will apply practical strategies to personalise patient education, using Helen’s case as an example.

You are a physiotherapist seeing a new patient, Helen, a 52-year-old high school teacher who presents with patellofemoral pain that has been bothering her for the past few months. She describes aching around the front of her knee, particularly when using stairs, standing for long periods, or getting up from a low chair. Helen is generally active but has recently reduced her walking and yoga practice out of fear of making things worse.

To provide effective patient education for Helen, we need to tailor our approach to education.

Key strategies

Here are some key strategies that can help us achieve this.

Connecting education to patient goals

Always bring education back to what matters most to the patient.

Example: “Since your goal is to get back to your usual level of walking, let’s talk about how we can manage your knee in a way that supports that.”

Make it relevant to their work and lifestyle

Link explanations and strategies to the patient’s daily activities, job demands, or hobbies to improve engagement and applicability.

Example: “Since you’re on your feet all day as a teacher, let’s explore ways to manage your knee pain while standing and walking.”

Use the patient’s own words and experiences

Incorporate the patient’s descriptions to ensure explanations feel personal and relatable.

Example: If Helen describes her pain as “sharp and stabbing,” reflect her language back to her rather than using medical jargon like “lancinating pain.”

Simplify language and avoid jargon

Adjust explanations based on the patient’s health literacy and background.

Example: Instead of saying, “We need to increase your knee’s load tolerance,” say, “Your knee will get stronger as we gradually increase how much you use it.”

Adjust based on readiness to learn

Some patients may need reassurance before detailed education, while others want a deep dive immediately.

Example: “Would you like to start with the basics today, or would you prefer a more detailed explanation?”
Decorative Tip: Supplement verbal education with written or visual resources based on patient preferences.

Use real-life problem-solving scenarios

Give practical, situation-based guidance rather than general advice.

Example: Instead of saying “try and keep active,” say “lets adjust your current routine to see where we can slowly build up your walking as your knee improves and make sure you’re not doing too much or too little. You mentioned the pain comes on after 10-15 minutes. Would it be possible to incorporate two short, 10 minute walks into your day?”

Check understanding and encourage reflection

Regularly assess how the patient is processing information. Instead of closed questions that invite a yes/no response, use reflective questioning to encourage discussion.

Example: “How does that explanation fit with what you already knew about your knee problem?”

Avoid relying solely on “Does that make sense?” as it may not prompt deeper engagement.

Make it collaborative

Instead of just delivering information, involve the patient in the discussion.

Example: “Based on what we’ve discussed about gradually increasing activity, what do you think would be a good first step for you?”

Consider cultural and linguistic factors

Be mindful of cultural beliefs about health, pain, and recovery. Use interpreters or translated materials if needed. For example, a patient from a culture where pain expression is minimised may need reassurance that pain is normal given their condition, encouragement to discuss their symptoms openly and more proactive communication about options for pain management.

By customising education in these ways, we ensure the information is not only evidence-based but also meaningful, practical, and motivating. This patient-centered approach fosters confidence, promotes adherence, and ultimately enhances clinical outcomes.

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Patient Education Essentials for Physiotherapy Copyright © 2025 by The University of Queensland is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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