Competence development in patient education

As a facilitator of lifestyle change and risk factor reduction, patient education is a core component in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Thus, health professionals with the competence to provide patient education are central to meeting patients’ needs. This book explores, first, health professionals and patients’ views on the knowledge and skills necessary for being a good educator for adults with coronary heart disease and, second, health professionals’ views on how competencies in patient education should be developed. The findings build upon prior research to indicate that there is a need for organized continuing education in patient education for both novices and experts. Continuing education should aim at developing competence in patient-centered communication, building trusting patient-provider relationships, and establishing professional credibility, with a focus on a holistic view of patients and their emotional well-being. At the expert level, training should focus on supporting and mentoring novice educators. Continuing educational programs should combine theoretical learning, experiential instruction, and operate in a supportive learning environment.