Health Care Professionals' Views about Supporting Patients' Self-Management

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' and other health care professionals' views about their patient education skills and how to develop them. Design/methodology/approach: The data for the study were collected from the participants of the online education course on patient education. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: The results show that, in the experience of health care professionals, it is important to make a shift from the professional-led education and counselling towards an education relationship in which the professional and the patient are equals and represent different kinds of expertise and to develop patient education towards patient-centredness supporting the patients' self-management. Research limitations/implications: The sample used in the research is small. Practical implications: The participants in this study experienced that, as patient educators, it is necessary for them to acknowledge their own abilities, beliefs and values in order to be able to develop their patient education skills. This is noteworthy because appreciating and acknowledging the importance of reflection is one prerequisite for the paradigm shift from the traditional patient education model towards patient-centred education. Consequently, it is important to investigate further the best ways of facilitating the development of health care professionals' skills with regard to patient-centred education. Originality/value: The study showed that, through education and training, health care professionals can recognize the need to develop their patient education towards patient-centredness. (Contains 1 figure.)