Every appointment is an opportunity for teaching and learning, both for the patient as well as for the doctor. However, given today’s real life constraints, is expecting doctors to teach patients asking for the moon? Doctors are in a hurry. They must rush through most encounters with patients; and the average physician listens to a patient for fewer than 22 seconds before interrupting.
Patients also contribute to the problem. They “don’t ask, don’t tell”, and often keep silent when they should speak up. If they have trouble understanding their medication instructions, they may not admit that, because they are ashamed of their inability. The trick is to think of your patients as adult learners and there are four principles of adult learning you need to remember: Adults need to feel respected in order for learning to take place They need to want to learn They learn best by active…
