The quality of patient education evaluated by the health personnel

The purpose of the study was to describe the quality of patient education evaluated by health personnel. The sample consisted of 916 nurses and physicians working in one hospital in Finland. The data were gathered with a questionnaire developed specifically for this study. The questionnaire measured patient education quality as two dimensions: patient education resources and implementation. The data were analysed using basic and multivariate methods. The overall resources of patient education were quite good. The problems were related to the possibilities for patient education, such as the lack of time, the unsuitability of conditions and the shortage of equipment. In addition, 54% had inadequate knowledge of patients' posttreatment condition and 29% of the impact the illness had on patients' everyday lives. Furthermore, 47% were less skilled in supporting self-care. On the other hand, health personnel's attitudes towards patient education were positive. They were able to use verbal and individual patient education very well, whilst other methods of patient education were used less well and more infrequently. The patient education was implemented largely as patient-centred and interactive. However, the patient was not always taken into account in the planning and evaluation of patient education. Several background variables of the health personnel had a statistically significant connection to patient education resources and implementation. These findings indicate that patient education is largely well implemented, although the resources need to be developed somewhat further.