The multiple sclerosis nurse as patient educator

Patient education is an important part of neuroscience nursing. New treatments, such as beta interferon self-injections, have challenged nurses. The purpose of this study was to analyze the patient education given by 35 Finnish nurses who work with patients who have multiple sclerosis. The content and didactic solutions of patient education, evaluation of patients' learning skills, and learning outcomes were analyzed. Also, successful and unsuccessful patient education experiences are described. The results showed that patient teaching is based on individual and unstructured approaches. The role of the patient is important, and there is need for more systematic evaluation of learning outcomes. Results from teaching of beta interferon self-injections are similar. In general, more systematic research in this area is required.