10 Patient Education
Outcome
Patients, carers, and other customers are provided with, and are able to understand accurate, relevant, contemporary, and tailored advice and education on the use of their medicines and on non-pharmacological and lifestyle measures designed to improve and maintain their health; adherence and quality use of medicines are promoted.
Potential Risks
Inappropriate, inaccurate and/or incomplete counselling may lead to individual patient harm and/or harm to the health and safety of the public.
EPA Template
Note: Printable EPA templates are available to students on their course sites.
| Element | Performance Criteria Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to consultation | - Greet patient and establish patient identity - Confirm time is convenient (if applicable for placement setting) - Provide clear introduction to consultation, explaining your role and purpose of the consultation |
| Communication and Patient Background | - Consider individual patient factors and health literacy to carry out counselling in a culturally safe manner - Use appropriate person-centred language (non-judgmental and avoids medical jargon) - Use appropriate tone, volume and pace - Use appropriate non-verbal communication skills to aid in provision of information - Identify and address communication barriers - Consider appropriate alternative method of communication if necessary for patients with barriers to communication (e.g. visual/hearing impairment, language proficiency, etc) |
| Provision of Information | - Provide information that is specific and relevant to the patient and/or condition - Provide information to allow safe and efficacious use of the medicine, including. but not limited to: Brand and generic name of medication Indication for use Dosing regimen (dose, frequency, route of administration and duration) Administration technique if applicable (e.g. eye/ear drops, inhalers, nasal sprays, etc) Adverse effects Referral points Storage Continuity of supply - Provide written information to supplement verbal information where appropriate |
| Patient Understanding and Adherence | - Assess patient/carer understanding of information and education provided - Ask patient/carer to recap key information or demonstrate administration technique (if applicable) - Provides patient/carer opportunity to ask questions and provides relevant answers appropriately - Assess patient compliance and ability to manage oral and non-oral medicines - Evaluate suitability or need for adherence aids (e.g. spacer for inhalers, DAA for oral medicines, etc) |
| Documentation and follow up | - Document information provided in patient profile or medical records where applicable - Provide update to relevant community health care providers where applicable (e.g. GP, RACF, community pharmacy, nursing services, etc) - Discusses the need for patient follow-up or referral for ongoing support where applicable |
