Patient education. Understanding the process to maximize time and outcomes.

The role of teacher is inherent to the profession of nursing. According to the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the goal of patient and family education is to improve patient health outcomes by promoting healthy behavior and involving the patient in care and care decisions. Infusion therapy encompasses a variety of therapies, equipment, and techniques that often must be taught to the patient or provider of care. Education involves assessment, goals, allocation of resources, maximizing patients self-care skills, enhancing patient participation in continuing care, and promoting interactive communication between patients and providers. This article focuses on tools for better assessments, fine tuning goal setting, creative teaching strategies, and four levels of evaluation that lead to positive patient outcomes.