One question to assess ...

You know a patient with poor functional health literacy skills could have trouble following the health care plan.  But how can you identify who is at risk?  The patient’s education level does not always reflect literacy skills.  If you ask, “Can you read?” you...

They may not understand...

The study titled, “Do parents understand growth charts? A national, Internet-based survey” concluded, “Although growth charts are used frequently as visual aids to educate parents about their children’s growth, many parents cannot comprehend the data.  This...

On Facebook? Become a ...

If you’re a fan of No Time To Teach: The Essence of Patient and Family Education for Health Care Providers, you can now show it. Search for the book’s fan page on Facebook and become a fan!

Advice on patient educa...

George Bernard Shaw said, “The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me.  The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.” It appears that George Bernard Shaw’s health care providers...

Study shows growth duri...

Perhaps we can reassure parents with infants who are gaining weight slowly that this may have later benefits.  One study using longitudinal data indicates rapid weight gain in the first 3 months of life is associated with several determinants of cardiovascular disease and type 2...

How do you find time fo...

The most efficient way to provide patient education is to individualize teaching to the needs of the patient, so you’re not wasting time on unnecessary content or inappropriate methods.  The most efficient way to individualize teaching is to begin with a good assessment.  Then...

Study: improved patien...

A study looking at rational for reversal of failed bariatric operations concluded: “The decision to reverse, rather than revise, a problematic bariatric operation is motivated by the perspective that the outcome of revision would also be problematic.  Improved patient education...

Save teaching time: in...

Research continues to confirm the methods described in No Time to Teach offer the most effective and efficient way to teach patients and families in the limited time we have.  Here’s another study: A systematic review of the literature confirms the most effective means for...