THE PATIENT FROM RECEIVER OF INFORMATION TO INFORMED DECISION-MAKER

In this article the change of paradigm currently taking place within t he field of patient education is indicated. In this change of paradigm the patient is increasingly being seen as responsible for his own hea lth or recovery and as someone who makes independent choices in this r espect. This has consequences for the role the patient is given in dec isions on individuals care. The consequences of current developments w ithin the Dutch society and in medical techniques as these relate to t he need for patient education are enlightened. Some of the main topics for patient education are mentioned and the effects of patient educat ion as established through meta-analyses are summarised. A planning mo del for a systematic development of patient education interventions is recommended. Relevant topics for research on patient education in the Netherlands are indicated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.