Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

EDUCATION ON CONDITION AND ITS MANAGEMENT

This is an ongoing interaction between the patient and the nurse through which the patient's condition and its management are discussed in detail using clear and simple language. It provides the patient with the opportunity to understand the condition, treatment, self-care and expected outcomes.

Purpose

  • Provide the patient with adequate information about his/her condition
  • Enhance the patient's knowledge of the condition
  • Promote appropriate attitudinal or behavioural change
  • Equip the patient with skills for caring for his/her condition
  • Promote adherence to the agreed treatment and follow-up plan
  • Promote early recognition and reporting of warning signs

Indications

  • New diagnosis or newly identified health condition
  • Admission or commencement of treatment for a condition
  • Change in the patient's condition or management plan
  • Before discharge when the patient requires self-care education
  • When the patient or caregiver requires clarification about the condition or its management
  • When the patient requires teaching on the use of a care device or treatment technique

Equipment

  • Patient's folder (Manual or electronic)
  • Treatment sheet (Manual or electronic)
  • Chair
  • Care devices/gadgets (if any)
  • Pamphlets/source of readable information

Procedure steps

  • Confirm patient's diagnosis and relevant management plan against the patient's record
  • Establish rapport with the patient
  • Explain the purpose and need for the education
  • Involve relatives or significant others when appropriate and with the patient's permission
  • Ensure an enabling, relaxed and private environment
  • Assist the patient into a comfortable position
  • Sit comfortably by the patient
  • Identify the suitable language and communication method for the patient
  • Assess the patient's existing knowledge and understanding of the condition
  • Build on what the patient already knows using accurate and appropriate information
  • Assess the patient's understanding of the available management options
  • Explain the rationale for relevant investigations and treatment
  • Explain expected outcomes, prognosis and relevant warning signs
  • Explain and demonstrate the use of devices/gadgets included in the management process
  • Use teach-back or appropriate questioning to confirm understanding
  • Allow the patient and significant other to ask questions
  • Encourage cooperation with the healthcare team and appropriate follow-up
  • Provide clear and simple written information where appropriate
  • Thank the patient and relatives for their cooperation
  • Document the education provided, patient's response and any further teaching required
  • Report relevant concerns to the appropriate officer

Precautions

  • Verify the diagnosis and current management plan before providing education
  • Provide information within the nurse's scope of practice and authorized clinical plan
  • Do not give misleading information or make unsupported promises about prognosis
  • Maintain patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality
  • Use language and teaching methods appropriate to the patient's literacy, culture and level of understanding
  • Consider hearing, vision, cognitive, language and communication barriers
  • Use a qualified interpreter when required
  • Confirm patient understanding before concluding the teaching session
  • Do not disclose confidential information to relatives or significant others without appropriate permission or legal basis
  • Refer questions outside the nurse's scope to the appropriate healthcare professional

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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