The whys of patient education

The rationale for patient education is that patients and families have the right to be informed; that professional standards describe appropriate patient education; that health care organizations and the law require patient education; and patients, health care organizations, and that society benefit from the process. Patients with cancer benefit in terms of knowledge acquisition, enhanced self-care, reduced anxiety, enhanced self-concept and self-esteem, increased satisfaction with care, improved pain control, improved oral status, and reduced disruption in daily functioning. Health care organizations benefit in terms of quality services, reduced costs, and reduction in malpractice suits. Society benefits as patients with knowledge and skills maintain or resume functional status and return to school, work, or service activities. Nurses are key professionals in the coordination and delivery of patient education programs. They too have the opportunity to benefit from patient education through therapeutic alliances with patients and families that foster both personal and professional satisfaction.