Enhancing patients' social support systems.
Social support systems are a valuable asset to changing and improving patient health behavior. The educator must be aware of the potential benefits that exist for patients through family involvement. Individual circumstances must define the exact role a family plays in the patient's education and care. Finally, patient educators should constantly evaluate the involvement of social support systems in the educational and treatment plans. Needed suggestions and changes should be addressed promptly in order to preserve a workable situation for all involved.
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support; D013663:Teaching