HomeHealth articlespatient educationWhat Is the Importance of Counseling a Patient Regarding Treatment Protocol?

Importance of Counseling a Patient Regarding Treatment Protocol

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Importance of Counseling a Patient Regarding Treatment Protocol

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This article is basically about counseling and educating the patient and his family about the treatment that he will be undergoing and the requirements for the individual sessions.

Written by

Shakti Mishra

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sowmiya D

Published At January 30, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 10, 2023

Introduction

Counseling and educating a patient regarding the treatment protocol before the commencement of the session is vital. Every patient is different. Every case is individualized according to the condition and the physiological status of the person. So, when a case is presented to us, we as medical practitioners should be very much keen in understanding the complaints and history of a patient.

I personally have come across a lot of cases where patients are eager to express their pain and want to have a helping hand in terms of mental satisfaction. There are a lot of cases in which patients are psychologically more depressed and disturbed than the physical deformities. They get a preconception that they will never be getting into their previous form later in life after the disease. They land up in gaining more negativity in life.

Examination and diagnosis alone do not play a significant role in the assessment of a patient, but there must be a point in every assessment chart of counseling and education of the patient, which should be included during every treatment session. Every therapist or physician should take a minimum of 15 to 25 minutes time allotted for counseling the patient and educating about the disease which he or she is suffering from.

Counseling session should consist of:

  • Questioning about the previous medical history and immediately answering the patient with the effectiveness of the present session.
  • Understanding the psychological issues arising due to the physical deformity.
  • Providing confidence, assurance and gaining co-operation from the patient and the family for a successful completion of the session.
  • Giving a chance to the patient to introspect himself and find a solution for the problem which he finds comfortable and collaborating it with the therapist‘s solution for a better prognosis.

What Is Included In An Education Session?

  • The therapist should clearly inform the patient about his diagnosis and the disease that he or she is suffering from, no matter how much the severity of the condition is.
  • Providing information to the patient regarding the protocol, which the therapist has designed for him or her.
  • The therapist should inform the patient about the possible effectiveness of all the individual techniques that he is going to deliver.
  • The patient has got all the freedom to ask for any kind of queries that props up in his mind regarding the protocol.
  • The patient should be given freedom to suggest any change in the treatment plan that he or she finds uncomfortable with.
  • The patient is instructed strictly to follow all the home advises by the therapist or physician.
  • Patients should be advised to know the pros and cons about their daily habits and how to rectify them.

Such a treatment protocol is very much required nowadays to bring about a satisfactory result for the efforts put on by the therapists for the patients. Patients should feel free to interact and communicate with the therapist more so that a friendly atmosphere is created during the session. Both the patient and the respective family members should be included in the counseling and education session.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

When Is Patient Counseling Required?

Patient counseling is required in chronic conditions or slow-progressing diseases. This is because an individual may lack patience and motivation in long-term procedures. With counseling, the attitude of the patient can be reinforced for better recovery.

2.

What Is Patient Counseling?

Patient counseling is a procedure in which the health care professional explains in detail the health condition suffered by the patient. It helps to educate the patient to take the necessary steps to recover from the disease. In addition, the health care professional may also brief on the activities to be avoided to achieve the best results from the treatment.

3.

Why Is Follow-up Mandatory?

A follow-up can always help the doctor track the patient’s medical condition. It also helps identify any complications or side effects suffered by the patient in due course of treatment. It also helps the doctor to ensure the complete recovery of the patient.

4.

What Do You Understand by Treatment Adherence Counseling?

Treatment adherence counseling helps to instill positive thoughts and benefits that can be achieved by taking medication precisely as recommended by the physician. It also helps build a good patient and physician relationship. In addition, taking medications plays a crucial role in treating long-term and chronic conditions.

5.

What Influences Patient Compliance?

Patient compliance can be influenced by factors like the willingness of the patient to undergo treatment. Other factors that influence patient compliance include social and psychological factors. Attitude, health literacy, and patient knowledge play a key role.

6.

What Are the Merits of Counseling?

The merits of counseling include a better understanding of the patient's mindset and attitude toward the treatment. It helps to instill optimistic thoughts and gives a detailed idea of the treatment plans and goals to be achieved for a successful treatment. Counseling can help a patient cooperate with the treatment. 

7.

What Are the Processes to Be Followed in Patient Counseling?

During counseling, it is essential to create a safe and protective environment for the patient. The patient’s comfort must be given top priority. In addition, it is important to keep the patient aware of the treatment procedure and its potential risks and complications to help them make better decisions.

8.

When Is a Follow-up Process Initiated?

Most treatment procedures may require a follow-up after a month or three months, depending on the medications prescribed and the illness of the patient. The follow-up helps to guide the patient in the right direction of treatment for better recovery. However, the follow-up may vary from months to years, depending on the severity of the condition.

9.

Which Is the Most Crucial Stage of Counseling?

The primary or the starting stage of counseling is the most crucial as it helps the patient and physician build a better rapport. It also helps to bring behavioral changes in patients who are less cooperative or have poor knowledge of the condition. Counseling may boost the confidence of an individual to undergo treatment.

10.

How Do You Confirm if the Follow-up Action Is Executed?

A thorough patient evaluation during every follow-up helps confirm if the patient has followed the treatment. Also, history from the family members and caretakers can be helpful in identifying if the patient has been following the treatment. Poor cooperation may result in delayed recovery.
Shakti Mishra
Shakti Mishra

Nutritionist

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patient educationtreatment counseling
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