The online future of patient education

I really enjoyed researching the Future of Patient Education for a presentation I gave recently at a national conference.  I found most trends included technology, but some did not.  The best took advantage of adult learning theory:

• Adults learn best in response to a perceived need.

• Teaching of adults should progress from what they already know to the unknown.

• Teaching of adults should progress from simple concepts to the more complex concepts.

• Adults learn best using active participation rather than passive listening.

• Adults require opportunities to practice new skills with the teacher.

• It’s important to reinforce the desired behaviors to enhance learning.

• Immediate feedback and correction of misconceptions increase learning.

(from Freda, M. C. (2002). Perinatal Patient Education:  A practical guide with education handouts for patients. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.  Page 7)

One website still in Beta testing, Wise Together, applies these principles to learning about pregnancy.  It offers information from good sources and peers individualized to mom’s age, weeks pregnant, and number of previous pregnancies. It allows registered users to share their experiences, and read about the experiences of others.

http://pregnancy.wisertogether.com

What do you think?  Is this the wave of the future?  How else can you see this concept used?