To say what you mean, and mean what you say, be mindful of these distinctions:

Teach – As in “to explain, show, or point to.”

If you’re talking you’re likely teaching.

Which makes most so-called patient education mainly patient teaching. Reports, table talk, lectures, videos, and brochures are different forms of patient teaching. Which have their place, but rarely produce the outcome for which most are hoping. In fact, teaching does far more for the teacher than the intended recipient!

Educate – As in “to persuade or induce to feel, believe, or act in a desired way.” It is the persuasion piece that’s so crucial. Because without it, it’s likely teaching.

Education requires a willing partner to actively participate and engage because they’re enrolled. Without this enrollment, you can be easily fooled by the patient “head fake,” recognized by appropriate eye contact, subtle head nodding, and the secret hope you’ll stop talking.

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Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, coaching program, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.