An education center for patients' high-tech learning needs

A dynamic patient population and health care system requires that health care organizations and professionals be alert and flexible in their approach to patient care education. The University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic has defined various generic and comprehensive educational outcomes for its patient population and initiated unique methods for obtaining them. The focus of this patient education program is the Patient Learning Center, which functions as a resource to primary professional caregivers for teaching patients and their families extensive and/or high-tech health-related activities for performance after discharge from the hospital or clinic. The Center provides patients with a lablike environment for reviewing, practicing and demonstrating skills, with mannequins, central venous access simulators, pumps, needles, audiovisuals, and so forth, under the supervision of registered nurses. Initial patient/family/caregiver response has been positive, particularly in terms of environment and learner/instructor ratio. Learning units in several areas (cystic fibrosis and diabetes) are being planned, and staff concerns regarding continuity, communication, and consistency are closely monitored.