Modern medical care is about providing a high level of patient care while empowering the patient and involving them in all medical decisions. A patient who knows a lot about their health conditions and is encouraged to take charge of their health with preventive care will increase their chance of having a better long-term outcome.
Here are just a few of the ways that nurses can promote patient education and empowerment.
Clear and honest communication between medical staff and patients
Trying to hide medical information from patients is never a good idea. It is best to ensure that patients know about all treatments, medical procedures, medications, etc. They are vague or non-forthcoming when they or their family members ask questions, which is distrust. Of course, there is only so much you can reveal to a concerned family member due to patient confidentiality. In this case, you should say what you can and explain if you cannot elaborate further without permission from the patient.
If a question is asked that you cannot immediately answer, then you need to show the patient or concerned party that you are doing something to find them an answer. This may be as simple as saying that you must ask a doctor, surgeon, etc. You should then follow up and make sure that response happens.
Preventive care education and encouragement
It is important to ensure that patients know what they can do to improve their health. For example, many people do not attend all the preventive appointments that are covered by their health insurance. A nurse should work with patients to encourage them to take advantage of preventive care.
Many patients see any visits that are just checkups as unnecessary and a drain on their time. Nurses must explain that preventive care can result in fewer overall appointments and less time to suffer from health issues.
It must also be stressed that as we get older, preventive care can help catch any health concerns before they become much more serious. This can save someone’s life and prevent large medical bills, loss of work time, and more.
Nurses can educate patients on things they can do at home and work to lead healthier lifestyles. Exercise regimens that consider a patient’s age, physical abilities, and other obligations are useful. Working with patients to establish good dietary guidelines and restrictions is another step in the right direction.
Listen and express empathy.
A good bedside manner is essential to empowering patients. They need to know they can talk to you and that you will empathize with them and their situation. Patients feel empowered when they feel they are influencing the medical team.
Sometimes, a nurse needs to be a good listener. Suggesting ways that patients can help themselves or their family members while they are going through a tough time is helpful and empowering.
Never stop learning
Nurses should always be learning new methods to empower patients. This also means staying on top of what is going on in the world of medicine.
Some nurses who have gained significant registered nurse experience may choose to get an advanced degree. Online DNP programs are a great way to advance from a registered nurse to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Baylor University offers a great online course that allows nurses to keep working while progressing in their careers.
With a strong demand for highly trained and experienced nurses, now is a great time to advance your career.
Talk to patients in detail about all medical decisions
Patients need to be involved when it comes to health decisions. Although there are times when a doctor or nurse must act in the best interest of the patient without formal consent, the vast majority of the time, it is imperative that patients are involved with every decision made about their health.
It is important to explain why a procedure or treatment is necessary. The positives and negatives of any treatment must be made clear, even if they seem apparent. If a patient hesitates to proceed with a treatment that offers many benefits, the nurse and doctor should ensure that the patient is aware of the potential consequences of refusal while explaining any other options.
Suggest other websites, literature, nature, and other resources.
Some patients may want to learn more about their health than others. It is helpful to find accurate and easy-to-understand literature to which they can refer. A nurse or doctor may suggest specific websites, books, and other resources to help patients and their families better understand a health issue. These resources can also help families learn coping strategies for changing lifestyles.
Help patients find support groups and counseling when needed
Sometimes, illness or disability leads to patients requiring more support. Good nurses and doctors will provide a list of local support groups and counseling services that can be called upon if needed. Medical teams can also refer patients to serve covered by their insurance plans.
Seeking counseling and support does not make them weak or mentally ill. It means they are taking important steps toward recovery and taking charge of their long-term health and wellbeing. Seeking counseling and support does not make them weak or mentally ill. It means they are taking important steps toward recovery and taking charge of their long-term health and wellbeing. Seeking counseling and support does not make them weak or mentally ill. It means they are taking important steps toward recovery and taking charge of their long-term health and wellbeing. Seeking counseling and support does not make them weak or mentally ill. It means they are taking important steps toward recovery and taking charge of their long-term health and wellbeing. It is a good idea to remind patients that everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes, and there are times when being around people going through similar issues and supporting each other is very helpful.
Conclusion
Empowering patients is an important part of providing the highest level of care in modern medicine. Being a great nurse involves listening to patients and providing them with the answers and support they need to recover and take charge of their health quickly.
