Assessment by patients of their health education needs

One hundred ninety-two patients of three family practice clinics were surveyed about their health information needs. The largest gaps between present and desired knowledge were in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immunizations. Other major differences concerned mind/body relationships, health risk reduction, coverage of health care costs and nonprescription medications. There was little knowledge discrepancy with regard to the problem for which the patients saw their physicians. This technique is recommended as a way for clinics to target their patient education efforts more effectively.