1. Develop a script for patient education teaching (approximately 1 page) for each patient.
2. Identify history, habits, and characteristics (e.g. age; bleeding; cigarettes; diabetes; Group B streptococcus; weight gain; BMI; nausea/vomiting; infection; prior birth) that may affect the pregnancy and labor outcomes and explain the rationale in words the patient would understand.
3. Tailor the conversation to the amount of time you have to spend with each patient (less than 15 minutes).
4. Remember patient education is given throughout the pregnancy, discussing the most relevant and critical topics now r/t current issues and/or the trimester.
5. Key points to include (all may apply to the scenario):
a. Warning signs for complications
b. Urgent actions to take and/or when to ask for help
c. Risks and benefits of a treatment or procedure
d. Need for follow-up or closer monitoring
6. Indicate how you would measure the patient’s comprehension.
7. Cite your sources.