Patient education

Patient education can be understood as the process through which a patient comes to understand his physical condition as well as self-care. What patient education aims to achieve is that the patient gains a good understanding of his health status and is able to make proper healthcare decisions as well as adjust his behavior as required to gain optimal health. Effective patient education also provides several benefits that include increase in patient satisfaction, better quality of care, decreased anxiety and complications as well as increased independence and empowerment. Patient education does not mean simple communication between the nurse and patient where the nurse tells the patient how to take the pills when he is discharged. It is a method through which the nurse can effectively assist and improve the patient’s ability to provide self-care. In this regard the nurses have a very important role to play as they are in a significant position to affect the lives of the patients by providing improved patient education. They are like health assistants who guide the patients and their families on important matters.