Patient Education

Health education is a very important part of the CHA/P’s role as a health care professional.

• Every patient benefits from knowing more about their condition and being actively involved in their own care. Patient education helps patient:
  • Understand his/her medical condition and treatment.
  • Gain knowledge and skills to maintain or improve health.
  • Feel more in control of illness or injury by being included in his/her own health care decisions. This can help reduce anxiety and fear.
• Patient Education about wellness and healthy lifestyle choices is also important.
• The more patients know, the more they can do to help and heal themselves.

There are also other ways for CHA/P to play an active role in educating patients.

• Put out Patient Education brochures and handouts in waiting room and exam room.
• Hang up Patient Education posters.
• Visit school classes to talk about a healthy lifestyle.
• Take part in health fairs and other community events.
• Be aware of the specific health problems that your individual community faces. Focus on these problems in the clinic and in the community. Examples of problems: Boating, ATV or sno-go injuries; health problems related to tobacco and alcohol use, being over weight or not exercising; others specific to your community.
• Be a good role model, especially for young people. Live a healthy lifestyle yourself.