Find Out More About Your Learning Style to Better Understand Your Health
Horizons in Hemophilia, May 2013
By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker
People learn in different ways. Some need to see drawings or written explanations. They use their eyes as the primary means to take in information. Others use their ears. They need to hear the information explained. A third category of learners needs time to practice what they have been taught or prefers to make notes or drawings during a conversation. These “do-ers” learn best when they are hands-on and active.
Have you ever had a doctor or nurse express surprise that you did not remember a previous explanation of a health problem? That could be a tip off that the information was given in a way that does not meet your learning style. But it’s up to you to give feedback if the explanation is not clear.
For example, if reading is not your strong point, it‘s okay to speak up and say that you prefer a verbal explanation. Are there too many confusing medical terms in the explanation? Please speak up! According to a study sponsored by the Joint Commission, even people with college educations prefer to have medical information given to them on a seventh-grade level. (The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that certifies and upholds standards for more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.)
Hospitals and clinics often try to present things on a fourth or fifth-grade level. This is not meant to be insulting. Having things broken down into very simple words is particularly important when people are anxious and under stress.
Sometimes medical providers use complicated words or phrases that are easily understood by others in their field. But those same words may not make sense to you. That is probably unintentional because the main goal is to help you understand your body. It’s fine to say that you don’t understand.
Another possible barrier: If you are seriously not a morning person and you have important questions for your doctor or nurse, try requesting an afternoon appointment. If that’s not possible, try to take a friend or family member who is at their best during the early part of the day. Are there any problems that would prevent you from learning, such as a death in the family or other extreme stress? This would be another good reason to take someone along.
You can identify your learning style by taking this quick online quiz. If you would like to discuss this further with your HoG social worker or nurse, please call us at 770-518-8272.