Use Models: Enhancing Patient Education and Confidence

One common area where new graduates often struggle is with anatomy knowledge and the confidence to educate patients effectively.

I’ll never forget when, after treating patients for nearly three years, I began working toward my manual therapy certification. In the first class, we started discussing the foot, and I realized I couldn’t recall the names and locations of its bones. Despite three years of experience treating foot injuries, my anatomical knowledge had faded. This experience taught me a critical lesson: understanding orthopedic anatomy isn’t just about helping patients recover—it’s also about building their confidence in your abilities through effective education.

Step 1: Strengthen Your Orthopedic Knowledge

The first step in becoming a more confident clinician is to build a solid foundation of orthopedic knowledge. There are several ways to do this:

• Continuing education courses: Consider taking OCS prep classes or manual therapy courses—in-person options tend to be the most beneficial.

• Reviewing anatomy textbooks: Revisit key anatomy texts to refresh your knowledge.

• Learning from colleagues: Ask more experienced clinicians for guidance and insights.

Step 2: Educate Patients Effectively

Once you feel more confident in your anatomy knowledge, the next step is to effectively pass this information on to your patients. Providing clear and concise education during the initial evaluation is crucial. If patients don’t understand their condition and the treatment plan, they may feel dissatisfied and seek care elsewhere.

Many of us can visualize anatomy because of our training, but most patients have little to no anatomical knowledge. It’s our responsibility to bridge that gap and help them understand what’s happening in their bodies and how treatment will help.

Tools for Patient Education

I’ve found that using anatomical models is one of the best ways to educate patients. In our clinic, we have models readily available, allowing us to quickly grab the relevant body part and explain:

• The anatomy involved in their injury

• How specific structures are contributing to their symptoms

• What the treatment will do to improve their condition

The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed how valuable it is to see a physical representation of their condition, which helps them feel more comfortable and confident in their treatment.

In addition to models, other tools that can aid patient education include:

• Textbooks

• Online pictures

• Anatomy apps

Choose the method that works best for you, but make sure your approach enhances the patient’s understanding.

Cater Your Education to the Patient

Every patient is different. To ensure your education is effective, tailor your communication style:

1. Ask about their prior knowledge: During the initial evaluation, I like to ask, “Are you familiar with the anatomy of the [joint]?”

2. Offer to explain further: Regardless of their answer, follow up with, “Would you like to learn more about it?” Some patients are eager to know every detail, while others just want to get started with treatment.

3. Use appropriate language: Some patients appreciate detailed explanations using medical terminology, while others prefer layman’s terms. Adjust your language based on their comfort level.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, having a strong grasp of anatomy and differential diagnosis is essential for effective patient care. Once you feel confident in your knowledge, focus on educating patients about their condition, the structures involved, and how treatment will help. Whether you use anatomical models, apps, or diagrams, the goal is to make the information clear and accessible.

I highly recommend using anatomical models, as they tend to be the most engaging and easily understood by patients. By providing this level of education, you not only improve patient outcomes but also build trust and confidence, creating a more positive treatment experience for everyone involved.