Patient Education
Patients retain approximately 25% of what you (doctors) tell them. Don’t take it personally, it’s probably not your fault (although you go through the heel pain spiel so many times a week, your delivery may begin to resemble Ben Stein’s teaching in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off). So, how do we get our patients to retain more of the valuable information we provide (increasing compliance, positive outcomes, and referrals)?
Repeat everything 4 times??? Probably not.
Since every person learns/comprehends differently, it’s best to provide more than one method of educational delivery. Rather than just explain the condition, possible causes and treatment options, why not include diagrams, foot skeletons that show more than just bones, and handouts specific to the needs of your patients.
For example, on heel pain visit one, why not send patients home with “Plantar Fasciitis Stretching” and “Orthotics” handouts? If you have RSWT, why not give them a brochure as well? Keep in mind that any printed materials you offer should be professionally done and logoed if possible as this is a representation of you and your practice. Please stop photocopying old handouts or worse, using Dr. Scholl’s brochures from the 80s depicting an elderly couple in matching tracksuits walking on the beach (Diabetes and your feet).
If you need to refresh your patient education, please use the materials provided in the Pinnacle library and add your logo before sending to your local printer or Vistaprint.
