OBJECTIVES: To determine the compliance level and topic choice selection frequency of rehabilitation patients in a self-directed education program offered in conjunction with a rehabilitation exercise program.

DESIGN: Descriptive study.

SETTING: Soft-tissue injury rehabilitation clinic located within a chiropractic college.

SUBJECTS: Twenty-four rehabilitation patients with injured spines who were enrolled in a daily in-clinic program.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Data was collected from patient log-book pages, which recorded frequency of use, topic, medium and personal satisfaction for each selected resource. Clinic attendance data was collected by the clinical staff.

RESULTS: Eighty-one percent (81%) of the patient group voluntarily used the learning center. Average frequency of use was approximately one visit per patient per week. Of the 13 subject areas included in the resource center collection, back injury care (30), nutrition (22) and fitness/exercise (14) received the most use. Patient satisfaction with the resources' value/interest averaged 78.4%.

CONCLUSIONS: Most (81%) patients in this group were willing to spend some of their own time learning information that they thought was important. The results may allow for patient education program designs that put more responsibility for learning with the patient and allow for more efficient clinician time allocation.

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