Educating for Wellness

Understanding Learning Styles
for the Best Health Outcomes 

Around 50% of patients don't get the full benefit of medical treatments because of poor compliance.

While it’s easy to assume that patients who don’t follow doctors’ instructions lack the desire to improve their health, research points to patient education rather than motivation as a driver of non-compliance. In fact, studies show a significant increase in compliance with better patient education.

When they understand what they need to do to manage their health and why it matters, patients make their good health a priority. As a result, their outcomes improve, they see reduced readmissions, and they live longer.

Learning styles

The Joint Commission requires hospitals to educate patients in a way that is specific to their needs. Understanding how patients learn new information is essential to meeting this requirement. To identify a patient’s style, many facilities rely on asking them how they like to learn, but the patient may not know. In this case, a nurse assessment is best. Questionnaires are available that can help. 

VARK Modalities may also help. The VARK model categorizes learning styles into four modalities: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. Using the VARK model can help you understand a patient’s learning style and tailor their learning experiences.

Visual: The human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than written words. Many people find that images stick in their minds better than anything else. Around half of those surveyed preferred pictures to be included when they learn.

The Visual preference includes diagrams, charts, circles, drawings, arrows, circles, and infographics. Think of the visual piece as a “graphic.” It does not include photographs, videos, or slideshows.

Take advantage of imagery with printed illustrations. Sitting down with a patient to diagram a concept can help them retain the information better and contribute to building a personal connection.

Auditory: Only 5.7% of people report they absorb information by hearing alone, but over 60% like listening integrated with other methods as part of their learning process. Maximize this learning style by talking to patients, summarizing concepts, and reading out loud.

Reading and Writing: It is rare to learn well from reading alone, but around 45% of people do like writing and reading incorporated into their learning process. Writing activates multiple brain areas and improves information recall. Tap into this learning style by giving patients written materials with a place to take notes.

Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners understand best when they perform a physical activity. Kinesthetic learning is the most preferred learning method. About 85% prefer using kinesthetic learning in conjunction with other styles.

A quarter of people learn by doing a task for themselves. In the hospital, help the patient practice skills. Let them perform a dressing change, empty a drain, or give themselves an injection under supervision.

Keep in mind that learning style preferences can change with time and circumstances. Use a variety of teaching methods to give patients the best chance of understanding.

Reading the room

Before teaching, evaluate the patient for barriers that will keep them from learning. Identifying and remedying issues prior to teaching can help patients listen and understand better.  

Pain and Physical Needs. No one learns well in discomfort. Help the patient be comfortable and ensure they have toileting and other physical needs taken care of. Use non-pharmacological pain interventions if possible, and use pain medication appropriately.

Medication. While it is necessary to manage pain for comfort and healing, medication can also be a barrier. An expert nurse can often find the balance between comfort and over-medication. However, it may not be the right time to teach if a patient needs a lot of pain medication.

Sensory. Before talking with a patient, check if they have a sensory barrier to understanding you. Put in their hearing aids if they use them. They may have removed glasses for a procedure and need them replaced.

Language. Provide an interpreter and written materials in the patient’s native language. Don’t rely on bilingual family members; a family member or friend cannot interpret critical medical information. Teach family and caregivers, too, if they will be helping with patient care. They may appreciate a skilled interpreter, too.

Emotional. It’s difficult to absorb information directly after a life-altering diagnosis. Give the patient time to process. If available, consider offering a visit with a counselor or spiritual care provider first. Ask the patient if they are ready to learn about their condition.

Sometimes, you can't overcome all barriers. Giving patients reliable materials to reference later is an excellent option. Encourage patients to read materials on their own and write down questions.

Support your staff

While most nurses agree that ideal education uses many methods, practical application is challenging. As a leader, follow these tips to help your nurses deliver high-quality education:

Consider dedicated staff. Examine a staffing model with a nurse educator focused solely on teaching. Investment in a dedicated position may seem expensive, but good education leads to cost savings in the long run.

Break it up. Breaking up teaching into multiple short sessions – perhaps during hourly rounds – can help staff fit in more education, help patients learn better, and give more opportunities for patient questions.

Use high-quality materials. Printed materials can answer questions when the nurse isn’t there. The Patient Guide Solutions’ educational materials were created by a team of nurses, physicians, and creative professionals to be an extension of your nurse’s voice during and after the hospital stay.

Conclusion

Educate patients in multiple ways to take advantage of their learning strengths. Better understanding and engagement can make a big difference in health outcomes and care costs.