A theoretical model for coordinating and documenting patient education.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' patient and family education standards pose a challenge to large medical centers. Prior to 1994, Joint Commission standards required all healthcare disciplines to instruct their patients about issues relevant to their health. There was no requirement that the information that was given to patients by providers in various disciplines, units, or clinics be coordinated. Now that education is a functional chapter in the Joint Commission's Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, an integrated approach to providing such education is necessary. This article proposes a theoretical model intended to help medical centers meet the new standards, improve patient education, and improve communication among healthcare providers.
Watrous
J
J
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA.
Zappia
P
P
Arthur
C
C
D005190:Family; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000592:standards*; D007256:Information Systems; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States