Assessment and selection considerations: ESRD patient and family education materials and media

Education has long been an integral component of the care of end-stage renal disease patients and their families. The health care environment of the 1990s led to increase in the numbers and acuity of patients and a decrease in professional staff and reimbursement. A basic understanding of the patient education process, assessment of educational materials, adult learning principles, and empowerment is essential for the health care professional responsible for assessing and selecting patient education materials and media. This article provides an overview of the education process, assessment of materials and media (content, scope and depth, readability, clarity and design features), and selection of materials and media based on learner needs and characteristics. The features of four types of materials and media that affect selection and purchasing decisions for the individual patient or for an agency or group of patients are also presented. Special considerations about developing in-house materials are addressed throughout the article.