Teaching vs. Preaching: A Critical Look at Patient Education

NewsBot · Jan 24, 2008

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Teaching vs. Preaching: A Critical Look at Patient Education

In an attempt to increase compliance and retention, many chiropractors engage in what they believe to be patient education only to become frustrated by their results. On close examination, some doctors’ educational activities actually turn out to be a subtle form of indoctrination to get patients to do as they are told. Understanding the critical difference between teaching (educating) and preaching (indoctrinating) requires a fresh perspective and new strategies. Is it time to reassess your approach to patient education? How often do you find yourself thinking or even saying, any of the following?

* I’m just trying to get this patient to understand why the course of treatment I’m suggesting would be good for them. Why don’t they get it?
* If only patients could understand what I understand, they would realize that what I’m recommending is what they need.
* Why is it so hard for some patients to grasp the importance of following through with the full course of adjustments as I’ve advised?
* Just because this patient won’t acknowledge they have a problem, that doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist. I’ve got to find a way to get them to see the value of care.

If these statements sound familiar, you may be unconsciously preaching instead of teaching, or engaging in indoctrination instead of education. All of the examples above share a sweeping assumption: that you know what an individual patient needs better than they know what they need. Now, you may be thinking, “But I do know what they need, I’m the doctor!” Perhaps, but that stance will drive away the very patients you spend a great deal of time and effort to attract.
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Admin2 · Jan 24, 2008

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Goreygirl · May 14, 2010

Hi

Not a pod yet but planning to train (have place on course). In my current job role I have to try and influence health behaviours and beliefs over the telephone in a 20 minute occupational health assessment - during this time I also have to assess and decide outcome and advice i will give back to employer (which is often contrary to the clients beliefs about their role in self care etc). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a tool that is been frequently found to be a useful to facilitate practice not only in my field of health practice but also in others. There are now short courses in CBT for health practitioners and many in my field feel it should be part of qualification. Could pods find it of similar use?

Gg

Teaching vs. Preaching: A Critical Look at Patient Education

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Teaching vs. Preaching: A Critical Look at Patient Education

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

Goreygirl Member

Teaching foot exercises.

Podiatry Assistant Course - RMIT CBD - Placements & Teaching Opp

Audit of foot orthotic prescribing at a University teaching clinic

Teaching Local Anaesthetics

Homeopathy in UK undergraduate teaching

Teaching in USA podiatry schools

Want to Ruin Teaching? Give Ratings

Share This Page

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