What should be done at the start of the Patient Education process?

At the start of the Patient Education process, assessing the patient's needs is fundamental. This step involves gathering information about the patient's current understanding, health status, and concerns. By assessing their needs, practitioners can tailor the education to address specific gaps in knowledge and ensure that the information provided is relevant and comprehensible to the patient. This individualized approach increases the likelihood of patient engagement and retention of information.

Understanding a patient's needs also allows healthcare providers to identify potential barriers to learning, such as cognitive limitations, language differences, or emotional factors that may affect the patient's ability to absorb the information. Moreover, involving patients in this initial assessment fosters a collaborative relationship, empowering them to take an active part in their healthcare journey.

The other options, while important components of the education process, should come after assessing the patient's needs. Documenting a learning style, beginning to teach on a subject, and establishing educational goals are more effective when built upon a solid understanding of what the patient requires.