Empowering Patients Through Education by Brie Hutchings

Empowering Patients Through Education: A Guide for Dermatology Practices
By: Brie Hutchings

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, patient education has become more important than ever. It’s not just about sharing facts—it's about creating meaningful connections that foster trust, collaboration, and better outcomes. When patients are well-informed about their care journey, they feel empowered to take an active role in managing their health. And that’s a win for everyone.

Key Highlights

• Understanding Leads to Adherence: Educated patients are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, ensuring better health outcomes.

• Empowered Patients Are Engaged Patients: Knowledge equips patients to advocate for themselves and take an active role in their care.

• A Full-Office Approach Works Best: From the front desk to providers and billing teams, everyone has a role in patient education.

• Timing Matters: Educating patients throughout their journey, instead of all at once, reduces overwhelm and builds trust.

• Tailored Resources Make a Difference: Personalized tools like a “biologic patient guide” can provide clarity and direction.

Why Educate Patients?

Let’s start with the “why.” Education isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a partnership. When patients truly understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the steps involved in accessing care, something magical happens—they stick with it. They show up, they follow through, and they trust the process.

This understanding leads to better adherence, which is essential when managing chronic conditions or starting new therapies. It also makes patients feel supported. Knowing someone has their back and is guiding them through the complexities of healthcare can dramatically reduce the likelihood of treatment errors, especially with self-administered medications.

But perhaps the most powerful outcome of education is empowerment. When we share knowledge, we give patients the tools to advocate for themselves. Empowered patients are more engaged, ask better questions, and feel more in control of their health. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

How Can We Educate Patients?

Educating patients is a team effort—it’s not just the job of one person. While biologic coordinators (BCs) are the superheroes of this process, every team member has a role to play. From the first phone call to the final follow-up, collaboration makes all the difference.

For instance, when a patient calls to schedule an appointment, the front desk staff can set the stage by collecting all the necessary insurance information and explaining what to expect during their visit. Providers and medical assistants step in next, offering resources, discussing treatment options, and building trust through empathetic care. Behind the scenes, billing and insurance teams ensure coverage details are in place and communicate any cost concerns early on.

Of course, resources are key. A few of my go-to tools include AAD handouts, manufacturer guides, and specialty pharmacy materials. But here’s a pro tip: create your own “biologic patient guide.” Tailor it to your practice’s process to give patients a clear, step-by-step roadmap. It’s like handing them a compass for their healthcare journey.

And don’t forget to meet patients where they are. Not everyone is starting from the same place, so adapt your communication to their level of understanding. Use simple, digestible language, and offer information in multiple formats—whether that’s verbal explanations, written materials, or even videos.

When Should We Educate Patients?

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to education. Bombarding patients with too much information at once can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead, think of education as a thread woven throughout the patient’s journey.

It begins with the initial visit. This is the time to introduce the diagnosis, provide resources, and answer questions. As the treatment decision is made, it’s crucial to collaborate with the patient and explain the benefits and expectations of the chosen therapy.

During the access process, keep the patient informed every step of the way. If there are insurance hurdles or delays, transparency builds trust. And when it’s time to initiate treatment, make sure patients understand how to use their medication, what to expect, and who to contact with questions. Every step should feel like a natural progression, not a flood of information.

Putting It All Together: A Real-Life Example

Let’s walk through an example to bring this to life. Imagine a patient with a chronic rash calls your office. They’ve never seen a dermatologist before and don’t know what to expect.

The journey begins with the scheduler. They gather the patient’s insurance information, request pharmacy benefit cards, and set a diagnostic appointment. On the day of the visit, the check-in team welcomes the patient, guides them through paperwork, and explains what will happen next.

During the office visit, the provider takes time to explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and provide disease-specific resources. When a treatment plan is chosen, the biologic coordinator steps in, navigating insurance approvals and ensuring the patient understands every step. And finally, when the prescription is ready, the patient is equipped with instructions, resources, and the reassurance that they’re not alone in this process.

The Bottom Line

Patient education is more than just a checkbox—it’s a critical piece of the healthcare puzzle. By educating patients, we’re not just improving adherence or reducing errors; we’re building relationships and empowering them to take charge of their health.

So, let’s commit to making education a priority. Whether it’s through thoughtful conversations, personalized guides, or clear communication, every effort counts. After all, informed patients are empowered patients, and empowered patients are healthier, happier, and more engaged in their care.

About the Author
Brie Hutchings is dedicated to advancing patient education and access in dermatology practices. With a passion for creating patient-centered strategies, she strives to make healthcare more approachable and effective for all.

For questions or tips on implementing patient education in your practice, feel free to reach out. Let’s make a difference together!