The patient education structure has four components.
Evidence-based content written at a fourth-grade reading level. Clear, approachable, human-centered medical art and visual storytelling. Empathetic and diverse voices so patients can hear themselves and their communities. Delivery through digital tools that are adaptable, accessible, interactive, and personalized, with an intuitive user experience.
2. Recognize the social determinants of equity in care
Healthcare goes beyond treating illnesses, and also aims to address the root causes of health disparities and influence social factors: 80-90% of the factors that affect a patient's health occur outside of the clinical setting, including social circumstances, environment, and genetics, and many of these are outside the patient's control.
That's why it's essential to have a holistic view of the patient experience. Including content that addresses these elements alongside clinical content, such as where to find subsidized services and information, how to eat and exercise healthily, and how to share other patient experiences, helps build trust and inspire action.
Designing health information that recognizes the many factors that affect a patient’s health is key to empathic education. It should encourage positive behavioral changes around a range of issues that may affect patients, including nutrition, mental health, managing stress and anxiety, and exercise.
3. Comprehensive health approach
By recognizing these factors, patient information can help patients get a holistic view of their health. While acute illnesses should be addressed when a patient is in the clinic, integrating other social factors into clinical content can help patients understand how to proactively manage their health. Patient education can go beyond clinical information such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension to integrate relevant topics such as nutrition, exercise, medication adherence, the effects of substance abuse and smoking, and anxiety management to help patients improve their condition.
4. Clarifying and easing the healthcare experience
Medical procedures can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for patients, and discussing topics such as the risk of aortic aneurysms or preparing for upcoming surgery can make many patients feel anxious or cause them to avoid their healthcare provider altogether.
Patient education goes beyond clarifying complex topics through easy-to-understand illustrations and explanations. It can also ease fear by using metaphors to learn concepts that are far removed from the human body, such as using a garden hose to explain how an aneurysm ruptures. Education can help patients feel well-informed and understand their bodies while still reducing the information load as much as possible.
