Realistically meeting the educational needs of hospitalized acute and short-stay patients.

Patient teaching in acute care hospital settings isn't much different from teaching in other settings. The main differences have to do with the amount of time available and the condition of the patients. Using good assessment practices, sticking to "need to know" survival content, simplifying instructions, streamlining programs, providing for practice, providing reference and resource materials, and referring patients for further education are the ingredients that will help get the job done efficiently and effectively.