Education

When faced with a disease, many people want more information about the condition, its treatment options and the tests available. Deaconess wants to help you in your search. The “Medical Services” pages should help you with this. We encourage your full participation in your healthcare and treatment. Education about your choices and situation can help you feel you are more in control of your situation.

CHER

	Community Health Education and Resources (CHER) is a great option for health and wellness education. CHER was developed by Deaconess and the other Spokane hospitals to offers such varied activities as babysitting classes, skin cancer screening and diabetes education. Below is the address and a few classes. Their web link will take you to a full listing of education and events, a calendar and information about their highly educated and experienced instructors. Many classes are available to outlying communities by Telehealth.

	Community Health Education and Resources (CHER) 601 W. 1st Spokane, Washington 99201 509-232-8138 www.cherspokane.org	Prepared Childbirth Freedom from Smoking Diagnosis: Pre-diabetes Friends and Family CPR Babysitting Basics

Medical Library

	Our medical library offers both the public and the medical community authoritative and accurate information to help make informed healthcare decisions. The library is open to the public and has information written in lay language as well as highly technical books and journals aimed at the healthcare provider. You may search their Online catalog from any computer.

	Health Information Center 910 West Fifth Avenue Spokane, WA 99204 (509) 473-7398 Phone medlib@empirehealth.org	The library offers: Internet access, VCR and Copier Research services (some may have fees) Medical Books, journals Access to special medical internet sites

Preoperative Education

	When you come into our Preassessment Clinic prior to surgery, a nurse will give you information about your procedure and what to expect, including information for when you’re ready to go home so you can be prepared. The nurse will also let you know about any education that is applicable to you, such as our “Total Joint” classes. Our patients report that taking these classes increased their confidence immensely by teaching them how to walk with crutches and setting up their home for greatest ease.

Discharge Education

	Every patient who is treated at Deaconess will receive written and oral discharge instructions. These can include when to see your doctor, what to watch out for, and the medications you should be taking. It is always helpful to have a friend or family member join you for the discharge instructions.