Page 54 - 2020 ARE eGuide for Clinical at Nonhospital Sites
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Population Specific Care
Competency in Education
Specific populations we serve include children, the elderly, and patients with a reduced ability
to speak, understand, and/or read English.
These specific types of patient populations require us to use customized education and
training techniques to enhance communication and to encourage these patients to become
active participants in their own care.
General Principles for Educating and Training
Specific Populations
• A good way to begin is by asking them to explain
what they already know about their condition or
illness, and use that knowledge as a base on which to
build.
• Keep in mind that patients are the experts in their
own lives, and they know better than their providers
what they can do for themselves. It is not realistic to
ask them to do more for themselves than they know
they can. Make sure that the goals you and the patient
set for dealing with their illnesses are realistic and
practical.
• Check periodically to make sure that patients
understand what is being explained to them.
• Have reasonable expectations for the role the patient
can play in his or her own care.
