homme page

Sunday 23 June 2013

Patient Education Satisfies The Need To Know


By Ines Brennan


Even the most health conscious individuals get sick. The complexities of human biology, physical vulnerability, genetics and individual variables make encountering an illness at some point inevitable. Until relatively recently, when illness struck, it was common for doctors to diagnose and authorize treatment with little discussion. But, an evolution in the medical field now recognizes the value in patient education, not only as a right, but as a benefit that encourages patient responsibility. Taking care of oneself integrates active participation into health care decisions.

Health awareness provides consumers with the power to be personally involved and responsible for avoiding the risk of certain illnesses by exerting pro-active lifestyle decisions. The vast realm of the medical community, non-profit health agencies, advocacy groups and the government, strive to impart information and recommendations, validated through science-based research, for maintaining health through lifestyle choices. In the event of genetic, acute, chronic or critical illness, today's patients are privy to relevant, specific information related to treatment options, managing symptoms and disclosure of facts that allows full participation in decision-making regarding their care.

Arming consumers with 'what is known' in the medical field regarding disease prevention measures, tests, treatments and medications for specific illnesses, serves to demystify the unnecessary fear that surrounded medicine in the past. Enlightenment empowers consumers and improves health care through awareness that welcomes proactive patient involvement, responsibility and self-advocacy.

Transparency through open communications with health professionals promotes comprehensive disclosure of the diagnosis of a medical condition and methods to manage the illness, fostering trust for better patient compliance, outcomes and confidence that allows educated self-advocacy. Effective communications combined with education arms the ill with options that allow independent decisions, as well as choosing interdependence with medical recommendations.

At some point in everyone's life, illness is a factor. Today, patient education is responsible for publicizing the fact that MRR, chickenpox and bacterial meningitis can be prevented by vaccines. Keeping the public in the loop through educational information integrates personal, proactive choices in the management of chronic illnesses, such as, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and HIV.

Many debilitating illnesses are preventable through awareness that proceeds proactive lifestyle choices. Opting for the benefits of vaccines has virtually obliterated many of the past's contagious, formerly common childhood illnesses. Chickenpox, which results in excruciating episodes of shingles in later life, can now be avoided through vaccine. Awareness of the risks with smoking, tanning, obesity and unprotected sex, offers empowerment in making positive choices that sustain health.

Today, many chronic conditions are managed through innovative pharmaceuticals and treatment plans that were unknown until recently. New, proactive methodologies for sleep apnea are saving lives. EpiPen's are saving the lives of children and adults with life-threatening allergic reactions. An educated public gains the power in knowledge, presented through multimedia access today.

Health affects the quality of human life on a daily basis. Its absence diminishes the full experience of joyful, unencumbered potential. Today, patient education strives to make the choices clear for proactively reducing health risks through awareness. Dealing with management and treatment options, in the event of genetically acquired, acute, chronic or critical illnesses, begins with professional evaluation, diagnosis, a treatment plan and informed recommendations. Armed with the knowledge of the best options for management and treatment satisfies the purpose of medically educating the populace with the means to take good care of themselves and each other.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

;