Aptitude treatment interaction (ATI) identifies patient characteristics and optimal instructional treatments, is compatible with psychological theories and clinical approaches, and offers a specific methodology for approaching existing problems in a new way. This article presents studies in which ATI has illuminated patient needs and treatments…

Discusses setting and evaluating objectives for formal patient education programs. (CH)

Examines increases in the overall cancer rate and in the rate of specific cancers in the Black population. Also discusses cancer risk factors and prevention strategies. (GC)

Identifies problematic aspects of physician-educator interactions as well as ways to minimize such difficulties and facilitate professional interactions between physicians and educators. (JOW)

With health care costs rising rapidly and medical technology expanding, health education has become increasingly important to patients and health care providers. This article provides a brief reminder that health education programs must continue to be a priority and should be evaluated with potential benefits in mind. (Author)

Because high blood pressure is generally asymptomatic, it is difficult to inspire patients to adhere to proper treatment regimens. Case studies of nine patients, mostly Black, showed that compliance problems can be overcome if people are impressed with the idea that hypertension is a disease and not merely a symptom. (Author/GC)

The planning and development of an information booklet on X-rays for the use of patient education is described. (JD)

Discusses the rationale for nurse involvement in the development of patient education materials. Presents guidelines for evaluating existing material, including print and web resources, for credibility and readability. Makes recommendations for rewriting material at an easier-to-read level. (SK)

In first study 40 adults over 65 completed the Mental Status Questionnaire; in a second, 134 elderly heart patients completed the Patient Learning Styles Questionnaire. Results showed use of crystallized intelligence enhanced learning. Older subjects preferred structure; authoritarian, expert teaching; and listening to presentations supplemented…

Modern medical practice tends to enable patients to evade responsibility for their own care, and the traditional model robs patients of control and self-esteem. Radical health care reform must include patient empowerment and education. (SK)

The Patient Learning Styles Questionnaire derived from Canfield and administered to 134 elderly coronary artery disease patients revealed the following order of learning preferences: structure, iconics, listening, direct experience, reading, achievement, affiliation, and eminence. Level of education significantly influenced preferred learning…

A walking program for osteoarthritis patients promoted adoption by guided practice, reinforcement, and stimulus control; facilitated compliance by behavioral contracting; maintained behavior change through generalization and self-control strategies; and prevented relapse by realignment of normative beliefs and planned relapse techniques. (SK)

Accurate and sensitive communication of cancer-risk information is important. Based on a literature review of 75 research reports, expert opinion papers, and clinical protocols, a synthesis of what is known about the communication of cancer-risk information is presented. Relevance of information to those not tested is discussed. (Author/EMK)

Proposes "analytical observation" as a method of training evaluation for health-care providers. The method, which utilizes observation charts, has been validated through a study that examined the impact of supervision of health-care providers in the domain of therapeutic education of patients. Results show that this method has a definite impact on…

Examines the effects of providing people with information about their own dietary fat intake on their attitudes towards dietary change and their fat consumption. No subsequent reductions in fat consumption were found. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for health promotion strategies that focus on the motivational effects of…