8-2
A health worker who can diagnose and treat, or help others
to diagnose and treat many of their own health problems,
has many more opportunities for health education.
Starting with what people want—then helping them explore
what they need
The clinical consultation, or ‘patient visit’, offers an excellent opportunity for
health education. It is a chance to talk about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of the person’s illness or injury.
However, when using the clinical consultation as a starting point for health
education, it is wise to take certain precautions.
If you want people’s good will and cooperation:
First start with what people want
(their immediate or FELT needs).
Then help them to better understand
and meet their underlying, long-term
needs (REAL needs).
TREATMENT FIRST
THEN PREVENTION
Sometimes people ask for treatment that is harmful, wasteful, or based on
misunderstanding. If this happens, try to help them understand the situation and
accept a more appropriate treatment. (See Chapter 18.)
If medicines are not needed, take time to explain why.