How can you overcome resistance to client education?

As a healthcare educator, you may encounter clients who are reluctant, skeptical, or defensive about learning new information or changing their behaviors. This can be frustrating and challenging, especially when you want to help them improve their health and well-being. However, there are some strategies that you can use to overcome resistance and engage your clients in meaningful and effective education. Here are some tips to help you:

1 Understand the reasons

The first step to overcoming resistance is to understand why your clients may be resisting your education. There could be various factors influencing their attitudes, such as fear, anxiety, lack of trust, low self-efficacy, cultural beliefs, or previous negative experiences. Try to empathize with your clients and see the situation from their perspective. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to their concerns and feelings. Validate their emotions and acknowledge their challenges. This can help you build rapport and trust with your clients and show them that you care about their needs and preferences.

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Dr. Nadeem Ahmed

Forbes 30u30 | McKinsey - Gen-AI use cases, Public & Pvt. Health Systems | Harvard Public Health Review - Managing Editor | Global 100 Leader - Oxford GLC, St. Gallen Symposium, Peter Drucker Forum
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Embracing "motivational interviewing" helps to understand reasons for resistance during client education. This client-centered approach involves guiding rather than instructing, helping clients explore and resolve their issues. It's based on empathizing with their viewpoint and understanding the reasons for their resistance, avoiding direct confrontation, and empowering them to take charge. This method can be particularly effective in healthcare, where the focus is on building a collaborative relationship.

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2 Tailor your approach

The second step to overcoming resistance is to tailor your education approach to suit your clients' learning styles, goals, and readiness. Not all clients learn the same way, so you need to adapt your methods and materials to match their preferences and abilities. For example, some clients may prefer visual aids, while others may prefer verbal explanations. Some clients may want to learn more details, while others may want to focus on the main points. Some clients may be ready to take action, while others may need more motivation and support. Assess your clients' learning needs and expectations and customize your education accordingly. This can help you make your education more relevant, engaging, and effective for your clients.

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Juliana Onajobi

DaVita Inc
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One thing I found helpful is teach-back method. This method helps you to accurately assess your patients extent of learning, what they perceived and how they perceive what they learned. It also allows real time feedback from patients without making them feeling dumb,or delay or discourage engagement in their care. It's a great tool use if you want to foster adherence in patients.

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3 Involve your clients

The third step to overcoming resistance is to involve your clients in the education process and encourage their participation and feedback. Rather than lecturing or telling your clients what to do, invite them to share their opinions, experiences, and questions. Use interactive techniques, such as demonstrations, role-plays, games, or quizzes, to stimulate their interest and curiosity. Provide positive reinforcement and praise for their efforts and achievements. Ask for their input and suggestions on how to improve your education or address their challenges. This can help you make your clients feel valued, respected, and empowered in their learning and decision-making.

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4 Address barriers and challenges

The fourth step to overcoming resistance is to address the potential barriers and challenges that your clients may face in applying your education to their real-life situations. Some of these barriers may include lack of time, resources, support, or confidence. Identify these barriers with your clients and brainstorm solutions together. Help your clients set realistic and attainable goals and action plans. Provide them with practical tips and tools to help them overcome obstacles and cope with difficulties. Follow up with your clients and monitor their progress and outcomes. Provide them with ongoing support and guidance and celebrate their successes.

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Mary Beth Schoening

Digital Health Strategist | Business,Product, Market Strategy; Patient Engagement; Data Insights
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Self paced resources can address the time obstacle, allowing people to learn when they have the time, energy, and support. Home life often places demands on patients and they may need to educate themselves over time.

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5 Review and reflect

The fifth step to overcoming resistance is to review and reflect on your education practice and outcomes. Evaluate the effectiveness of your education methods and materials and the impact of your education on your clients' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. Seek feedback from your clients and colleagues on how to improve your education quality and delivery. Reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as a healthcare educator and identify areas for improvement. Seek opportunities for professional development and learning from other educators. This can help you enhance your education skills and competencies and ensure that you are providing the best possible education for your clients.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you overcome resistance to client education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the reasons

2 Tailor your approach

3 Involve your clients

4 Address barriers and challenges

5 Review and reflect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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How can you overcome resistance to client education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the reasons

2 Tailor your approach

3 Involve your clients

4 Address barriers and challenges

5 Review and reflect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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