Principles and theory guiding development and delivery of patient education in disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis: Reviewing the current literature

Abstract

Essentials Appropriate, theory-based education has been linked to improved patient and system outcomes. Literature regarding theory-based education in thrombosis and hemostasis is extremely limited. Current literature describes teaching strategy in single centers vs. impact of underlying theory. Collaborative efforts are required to make recommendations regarding optimization of education. Prior work regarding patient education has identified the importance of using learning theory and educational models to develop and deliver content that will improve patient outcomes. Current literature appears to examine implementation of teaching strategies without clear identification of educational principles. This review aimed to identify educational principles and theory currently utilized in the planning and delivery of patient education in disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis. The majority of articles reviewed evaluated the impact of educational interventions on patient outcomes; links between educational principles and changes in outcomes was lacking. Few articles clearly referenced theory in development of patient education; fewer focussed on the population of interest. The lack of literature demonstrates the need for multi-center collaborative research aimed at generation of an improved level of evidence regarding the most effective theoretical framework for the development, delivery and evaluation of patient education for patients with disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis. Once a theoretical framework for patient education is developed and tested, the unique contribution of patient education to both knowledge and clinical outcomes can be robustly evaluated.