Patient Education & Physiotherapy Treatment

The Importance of Patient Education

Appropriate patient education is fundamental to the development of successful physiotherapy treatment plans and patient outcomes. Through education we can provide knowledge, insight and solutions to patients on what the problem is and why it disrupts function or causes pain. Unfortunately, studies on patient education and effectiveness in physiotherapy have yielded ambiguous results and there is no clear standard on the type of education physiotherapists should provide or how to disseminate information. However, an article on patient education by Wittink and Oosterhaven (2018) discussed tailored patient education through the lens of patients’ health literacy to enhance patient-centred care. One way to re-frame and tailor education is to understand the specific learning profiles of patients to present information that is easily digestible.

There are six archetypes that distinguish how we learn: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, reading/writing, multi-modal and social. These archetypes provide us with our own unique abilities for knowledge comprehension, retention and the implementation of new information. As physiotherapists, we must be mindful of the learning profiles of our patients and adapt how we present educational and therapeutic information. For example, if a patient is a visual learner and the physiotherapist provides verbal education there is a higher risk for misunderstanding, reduced information retention and eyes glazing over in confusion. 

Use of Learning Archetypes For Treatment Efficacy

Let’s explore how these learning profiles impact patient education and how to tailor our approach to meet these diverse needs.

Visual:  Visual learners thrive on seeing information. They absorb knowledge best through images, diagrams, charts, and videos.

• Use anatomical charts and diagrams to explain exercises and body mechanics.
• Create video demonstrations of exercises for patients to watch and replicate. 
• Develop visual progress charts to track improvements and help with motivation.

Auditory: Auditory learners prefer to hear information. These individuals benefit from discussions, lectures, and audio materials.

• Provide verbal explanations and detailed descriptions of exercises and their benefits.
• Encourage patients to ask questions and engage in discussions to reinforce their understanding.
• Use audio recordings or podcasts related to physiotherapy exercises and health education.
  

Kinaesthetic: Kinaesthetic learners absorb information best through hands-on activities and physical engagement. These individuals need to physically experience what they are learning. 

• Conduct guided practice sessions where patients can perform exercises under supervision.
• Use visual and tactile feedback tools such as mirrors or walls to perform exercises.
• Encourage patients to practice exercises in various settings and integrate movement into their daily routines.
  

Reading/Writing: Reading/writing learners prefer information presented as text. These individuals excel at reading instructions and taking notes.

• Provide written instructions and educational materials about exercises and treatment plans.
• Encourage patients to keep a journal of their progress, noting exercises performed and any pain or difficulties encountered.
• Share articles, research papers, and reputable websites for reading.
  

Multimodal: Multimodal learners use a combination of different learning styles. These learners benefit from a varied approach that incorporates visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and reading/writing elements.

• Combine visual aids, verbal instructions and hands-on practice in physiotherapy sessions.
• Provide comprehensive resources such as a mix of written materials, videos and interactive tools.
• Be flexible and observe which methods resonate most with the patient; adjust your approach as needed.
  

Social (Interpersonal): Social learners gain knowledge best through interaction with others. They thrive in group settings and benefit from collaboration and discussion.

• Encourage participation in group classes or support groups.
• Facilitate peer learning opportunities where patients can share their experiences and tips.
• Use role-playing scenarios to practice exercises and improve patient confidence.
  

In my clinical experience, people are naturally curious, eager to learn and have a desire for autonomy over their own health to improve their quality of life. Through appropriate education that is motivational and insightful, we can provide patients with the opportunity to effectively self-manage their health long after their physiotherapy treatment plan has ended.