Patient education in the hospital setting

S.G. Rosenberg outlines three types of problems which occur in the care of the chronically ill. The first of these is clinical failure which occurs with an unavoidable exacerbation of the illness. Second is medical failure which occurs when technology cannot provide a cure. And third is an education failure when the patient will not follow the prescribed regime. This can result from either a choice made by the patient or family not to comply, or from a lack of knowledge on the part of the patient, or the lack of a planned education approach as part of the patient's care. Compliance is often suggested as the outcome to be measured as the result of any educational effort. This is valid, in part, but there are other outcomes equally important. These include the independence achieved through knowledge, and the assumption of responsibility for self-care. It is one thing to present information, and quite another to have the patient and family demonstrate acceptance and make changes in general lifestyle and daily routines. The responsibility for the treatment regime and change in behavior ultimately rests with the patient and family. The health professional is responsible for providing support and ensuring access to the tools (information, skills, and attitudes) which the patient and family require. Patient education is vital. An acute care setting provides numerous opportunities to initiate and continue the education process for both inpatients and outpatients.