Health Bulletin, Vol. 10 No. 2, 2024.
Original scientific paper
CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS' PERSPECTIVES ON PATIENT EDUCATION
Vedrana Grbavac
; Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Marija Mandić
; Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Patient education is a specific type in which physiotherapists provide patients and their caregivers with information to improve their health status. Physiotherapists who possess the competencies needed to provide high-quality patient education are key to meeting the educational needs of patients. This paper aimed to investigate the characteristics of expert educators according to the opinion of physiotherapists with experience in patient education.
Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted through individual interviews with physiotherapists with experience in patient education while working in a hospital. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic approaches.
The results: Twenty-five physiotherapists from Bosnia and Herzegovina who worked in physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics for an average of 14 years participated in the research. Being sensitive to the patient's interests and learning needs and adapting education to each patient's needs and the context of the situation are the hallmarks of a professional educator. Educational support resources, observation, experiential training, and guidance from experienced educators are examples that enhance competency development.
Conclusion: Expert patient educators demonstrate sensitivity to the patient's learning needs and the ability to individualize the patient's education. A supportive learning environment, intrinsic motivation, and awareness of the value of patient education were considered the main factors needed to become an expert educator. Experienced educators expressed the need for continuous education and collegial support.
Keywords
experience; educator; physiotherapist; perception
Hrčak ID:
322868
URI
Publication date:
30.11.2024.
Visits: 14 *