Pathology of Patient Education: A Qualitative Study

Patient education by nurses can be one of the best strategies for optimum self- care at home. The objective of this study is pathologic study of patient education process and answering to these questions: 1- What is the process of patient education? 2- What are the pathogens of correct implementation of patient education? This was a qualitative research with using content analysis method. Sample size included twenty B.S nurses, three MS nurses, ten nurse students and ten hospitalized patients. The setting of the study was schools of Nursing and Midwifery and 2 general hospitals of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Data gathering method was semi - structured interview. Analysis of data was done based on content analysis method. The study Findings showed that factors related to: 1- Curriculum planning, in Schools of Nursing and Midwifery 2- Patient education courses 3- Insufficient attention to nurses conditions 4- Insufficient attention to educational, cultural and habitual needs of patients and their families 5- Educational management 6- Attitude of participants to patient education, were key issues in the process of patient education that was related to inappropriate implementation of patient education in clinical settings. Patient education and nurse's role in this regard were significant factors to be considered. The pathogens which were effective on incorrect implementation of patient education, decrease the quality of care nursing. Applying the new curriculum planning can empower nurses on patient education. Providing in service training for clinical nurses and patient education follow up by clinical and educational managers can lead patient health promotion.