What communication methods should we use to deliver patient education?
While one-on-one, individualised education is reported to be preferred by most patients (Svavarsdóttir et al., 2016; Niksadat et al., 2023), research suggests that a multi-modal approach may provide the best results by improving patient understanding and retention. These may include a combination of:
- One-on-one verbal communication. This is what is used most often in practice, where patients receive information, advice or are taught skills verbally and directly by their clinician.
- Written materials. These can help reinforce key points for future reference or offer additional information for the patient to review later.
- Interactive media. Videos and online resources can enhance engagement.
- Physical demonstrations. This can help to teach skills or exercises where patients learn directly by doing.
- Visual illustrations. Like written materials, these can aid in explaining complex concepts (McPherson, Higginson & Hearn, 2001; Friedman et al, 2011; Niksadat et al., 2023).
Think of patient education like building a house. Verbal instruction would typically provide the foundation and may always be present in your patient education, but using multiple materials and approaches can create a longer-lasting and sturdier structure. This means that combining different methods can strengthen and extend the impact of patient education.
Let’s look at some of these approaches in more detail.
