Please Don't Lecture Me! • Posts by EIM | Evidence In Motion Skip To Content

Please Don’t Lecture Me!

May 25, 2016 • Other • Tim Flynn

A lecture is an oral presentation intended to present information or teach people about a particular subject, for example by a university or college teacher. When I was younger I received frequent lectures from my mother on the particular subject of staying out too late. Though my mother was highly versed in the subject matter, and it was delivered with extreme intensity, it rarely resulted in knowledge that converted to behavior change in me. Relatedly, the number one PT intervention is “patient education.” How often do we engage in the seldomly effective lecture form of education versus the patient centered motivational interview form? There are so many facts supporting a healthy lifestyle of balanced eating, exercise, meditation, and human engagement yet facts do not change behavior and in fact when delivered in a lecture can have the opposite effect on our clients. Fortunately our profession is beginning to change and learn more about behavior change. The above RULE table is an easy reminder to share with your clinical team to stay focused on this approach. Personally, I still find that occasionally I revert back to my old school lecture teaching ways when with a client. However, I am now quicker to kick myself earlier to be still and listen. Patient care is a complicated dance and sometimes it is best to just shut up and allow the dance to happen.

Tim

Tim Flynn

Dr. Flynn is board certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists and the American Physical Therapy Association, and a frequent presenter at state, national, and international meetings. Dr. Flynn is widely published including five textbooks, six book chapters, and over 85 peer-reviewed manuscripts on orthopaedics, biomechanics,...

––– Related Items


––– Comments

Robert Wainner

Commented • May 27, 2016

Tim, I love this, great info graphic and yes, acronym. Having been focused exclusively on coaching over the last few years, It's been interesting and fascinating to me to see the same coaching competencies being used with great effectiveness with patients (vs clients seeking to develop leadership skills, social/emotional intelligence and personal growth). This is particularly the case in area of chronic pain. Thanks for sharing here.


––– Post a Comment

— All comments subject to approval

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for news

Join the EIM Mailing List to receive next level updates on research, news, and educational offerings.