Table 1 The experiential health information processing model
Kolb model for experiential learning | Steps in patient experience |
|---|---|
1. Concrete experience: an event | The diagnosis of an illness, presentation of treatment options or other decisions related to care creates a need for information. |
2. Observations and reflections: thinking about the event and its impact | By entering an online community an individual observes by reading the messages and reflects about their own experience in relation to the information shared. |
3. Formation of abstract concepts and generalizations: what was learned | Inquiry through posted messages is made regarding a patient's next steps or treatment decisions related to their care from other community members. |
4. Testing implications of concepts in new situations: active experimentation | By using knowledge acquired from the group the patient proceeds to a treatment decision. |