Scenario-Based Discussion: Using Adult Learning Theory to Improve Discussion on Lifestyle Medicine for Healthy Adults

PLAIN-LANGUAGE ARTICLE SUMMARY

Innovations in Primary Care 

Using Adult Learning Theory Through Scenario-Based Discussion Questions  Improves Discussion on Lifestyle Medicine for Healthy Adults 

Healthy adults may perceive their wellness exams as an impersonal, mandatory checklist with counseling on lifestyle changes.

Over a four-year period, well visits with patients at the University at Buffalo Medical Doctors (UBMD) Family Medicine clinic in Buffalo, New York, implemented scenario-based discussion questions.

To make discussions more engaging, clinicians applied adult learning theory, which emphasizes self-directed and goal-oriented learning. For example, patients were asked how they would perform a specific physical task. Their answers allowed them to reflect on their current lifestyle and identify areas for improvement. Using scenario-based discussion questions was found to be a simple and time-efficient way to improve patient engagement and motivation in lifestyle medicine domains during well visits. The discussion questions also increased the patients’ knowledge of requested topics.