What Innovative Approach Have You Used to Improve Patient Education in Your Medical Practice?
Doctors Magazine
What Innovative Approach Have You Used to Improve Patient Education in Your Medical Practice?
In the quest to enhance patient education within healthcare practices, we've gathered insights from five professionals, including CEOs and Dentists. They share innovative strategies ranging from implementing QR codes for education to employing visual aids and pre-op instructions. Discover the transformative approaches these experts are using to elevate patient understanding and care.
- Implement QR Codes for Education
- Leverage Multimedia and Personalized Newsletters
- Integrate Patient Feedback in Materials
- Use Interactive Tablets for Consultations
- Employ Visual Aids and Pre-Op Instructions
Implement QR Codes for Education
Patient education remains central to the role of the physician, who aims to impact patient health through preventative care, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic medical, dietary, and surgical interventions. Educational resources are available in a variety of modalities, including print handouts, online links, and quick-response (QR) codes. I strongly recommend that providers who have not used QR codes throughout their clinic space try this innovative approach for spreading reputable educational materials to families, patients, and the community.
Effective patient education increases rapport with patients and helps motivate progression through the 5 stages of change. Access to reputable sources recommended by the treating physician, and even written by the treating physician, are also invaluable. As a neurologist, I have created multiple handouts and book chapters aimed at educating patients, families, and other learners at our center about the importance of safety for patients with seizures and the diagnosis and management of epilepsy.
I would also recommend using the Flesch-Kincaid grade level calculators to produce educational documents of low complexity so that all patients are well served. Flesch-Kincaid calculators are found online and at the end of the Spelling and Grammar check in Microsoft Word. Resources may also need to be translated into the patient's primary language. Once educational handouts are produced, they can be published online with QR codes for quick access, which can be easily spread to patients and to their communities for more widespread education.
Leverage Multimedia and Personalized Newsletters
As the founder of Wright Physical Therapy, I've made patient education a top priority in our practice. One approach we've taken is providing short animated videos on our website explaining common injuries and treatments in simple terms. For example, we have a clip on carpal tunnel syndrome, demonstrating nerve-gliding exercises patients can do at home.
We also send personalized newsletters customized to each patient's condition. If someone comes in with back pain, we'll include advice on proper workplace ergonomics and core-strengthening exercises. For repetitive strain injuries, we focus on recommended breaks and stretches. Personalizing content helps ensure patients follow the best course of recovery.
Finally, we use digital messaging to keep open lines of communication. Patients can ask questions about their case or recovery directly through our website or email. We aim to respond the same day with quick answers and resources. Ongoing communication, especially via technology, helps patients feel supported in their journey back to health. Overall, leveraging multimedia education and targeted outreach has been key to achieving the best outcomes for our patients.
Integrate Patient Feedback in Materials
In my practice, we revamped our patient education approach by implementing a customer survey to gather direct feedback on our educational materials. By integrating patient suggestions, such as adding more visual aids to our brochures, we tailored our materials to better meet patient needs. As a result, we observed a significant increase in patient comprehension and satisfaction.
To further enhance our education efforts, we also began conducting brief follow-up calls to address any remaining questions or concerns after patients reviewed the materials. By combining survey feedback with personalized follow-up, we've effectively improved how well patients understand their conditions and treatment options, reinforcing the value of responsive and tailored patient education.
Use Interactive Tablets for Consultations
In my practice, we've started using interactive tablets during patient consultations, which has been a game-changer for improving patient education. Instead of handing out paper brochures that often go unread, we now use visual aids and animated videos right at the chairside. Patients can watch short clips explaining their treatment options or see 3D images of their own dental issues, like cavities or gum disease. It makes the process more engaging and helps them truly understand what's going on with their dental health.
This approach has significantly reduced patient anxiety and increased treatment acceptance rates. When people can visualize the problem and the solution, they're more likely to ask informed questions and feel confident in their decision-making. It's not just about informing them; it's about making them feel empowered in their healthcare journey. And, honestly, it's also helped us as a team by ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to care plans.
Employ Visual Aids and Pre-Op Instructions
I use a lot of photos and models when I explain conditions and surgeries to patients. I find having a visual really helps them understand and retain what we talked about. I have models of the face, skull, and eye. For surgeries, I also send their post-op instructions beforehand so they know what to expect and can get any supplies or medications they need when it is easier and more convenient.
I have recorded myself explaining the instructions, so if their vision is too blurry to read the instructions after surgery, they can watch and listen. Some people learn better that way as well. Different ways of learning work better for different people, so I offer a wide variety of options to get the information across.
