ACOG Weighs In on Patient Education Challenges
Effective patient education is a challenge for health care providers across the country, so much so that two American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee opinions on the subject appear in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
"The competing demands of clinical productivity, mounting paperwork, and the delivery of care to multiple patients, often with complex diagnoses, can inhibit effective communication," the Committee writes. "Developing effective patient-physician communication skills requires a substantial commitment in an increasingly challenging environment with lower clinical reimbursements and higher expenses. In the long run, effective communication skills will save time by increasing patient adherence, thereby reducing the need for follow-up calls and visits."
Enhancing patient education has been among recent quality initiatives at RSC New England. Efforts are focused in two areas: maximizing education strategies for existing RSC New England patients; and, increasing accessibility to infertility education for all through the Center’s website.
In March 2011, RSC New England launched a new division of website content targeting the two predominant groups of women and men who are challenged by infertility and considering treatment options. “Fertility for Beginners” and “Fertility over 35” provide easy to understand information that serves both patients and their primary providers.
“When an infertility issue is suspected, the provider can direct his or her patient to the appropriate content area on our website,” explains Communications Manager Linda Monko. “Patients can review the material and become better informed about some
of the basics related to their condition and options. Most importantly, they can use the website content to develop questions that can then be reviewed with their primary provider at a follow-up appointment.”
Small, easy to distribute website referral cards (pictured) are available for providers. To request a supply for your practice, email linda.monko@integramed.com.
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