Theory and patient education

Learning is defined as a “persisting change in human performance or performance potential” (Driscoll, 2000, p. 11). I think that by using teaching methods that build on the intelligence strengths, I (or anyone else) can better process and remember information. Bruner states that as people learn, we process information and understand our world through action, imagery (visual), and logic/reason (Driscoll, 2000). These are three of Gardner’s types of intelligence. Therefore, as we incorporate data into these areas, it will become a part of me and my patients, and we will become more independent thinkers. In my work as an RN on an orthopedics floor, I have multiple patient interactions and many opportunities to teach them. Patients are inundated with massive amounts of information during their hospital stay. I should understand that different people use different forms of intelligence, and these should be utilized in order to help them remember the information they need to.