No matter what your expertise is, when your client walks in through your door you want to see them succeed. To reach their goals – and smash them. Once we’ve listened, taken notes and created a tailored treatment plan for our clients, here comes the tricky part. Implementation.
Most often the success of our treatment can rely heavily on our clients compliance and their ability to understand our instructions. Which is why I believe a core component of our practitioner – client relationship, and one of the keys to success, is education.
Did you know that there are 7 different types of learning styles?
It’s important to note about now that most people use a variety of these learning styles but are more inclined to one or two. So, we should always consider a varied approach.
Here’s the breakdown of the 7 styles;
- Visual – this person prefers using images, pictures, symbols and colours.
- Verbal – this person prefers words, in both speech and writing.
- Aural – this person prefers learning with sounds or music.
- Physical – this person values the body, hands and their sense of touch.
- Logical – this person values logic, reasoning and systems.
- Social – this person prefers to learn in groups or with other people.
- Solitary – this person prefers to work alone and to self-study.
Think for a minute.
How many styles are you engaging during your normal consultation process?
(You can read more about them here and see a really cool infograhic too for all the visual learners in the room.)
So, if this is the case, it means that we need to take a complex and diverse approach to not just our treatment protocols but our teaching methods too.
But how do we integrate that into the short time we have with them in a consultation, in a way that will capture their interest?
This might sound a little overwhelming and challenging, but before you give up and go back to the way you were taught to consult we’ll give you some simple tools you can implement straight away. We’ll even share some ideas that if employed right, might set you ahead from your competitors.
Below are some examples of simple creative techniques to engage your patients that encompass some of the different learning styles. (Note: these ideas have been created with a healthcare practitioner in mind – you may need to tweak them for your industry).
Infographics – Visual
These are images that contain pictures and words that can, for example, describe a condition that a patient has or explain why you need to prescribe certain medications. Visuals are powerful tools and are more easily remembered than words alone. Many practitioner supplement companies produce excellent ones you can use with your patients.
Food packages – Physical and Visual
I’ve seen practitioners create a folder of empty packets and boxes that they regularly recommend to their patients. This way the patient can see in real life what they will need to purchase and this eliminates any confusion when they get to the supermarket.
Short videos – Visual
Create short explainer videos that cover topics you might need to explain to all your patients. Like; why gut health is important or how to make a green smoothie. You can share these publically or have a small private library on youTube.
Create a community – Social
Or simply suggest one online or in the real world. This helps patients who have similar goals or conditions to connect with like-minded individuals who have shared goals or experiences.
Cooking classes – Physical and Social
If you’ve got a small kitchen space you can gather a few of your clients and teach them some simple healthy recipes that suit their treatment protocols. This can be a fun way to engage their family or bring in new clients from the community.
Audio – Aural
Audio is brilliant because so many people are too busy to sit down and watch a video. You could go so far as to create a podcast or simply record the answers to a few of the most common questions your patients have.
And there’s so many more ideas out there!
Incorporating the many different types of learning styles into your clinical work will not only improve client outcomes but it will also set you apart.
Do you have some interesting ideas you can share that will engage the different learning types?
We’d love to hear them. <3