Final answer:
To assist patient memory retention, medical assistants should use clear language, repeat key information, and avoid overloading patients with information. Mnemonic devices and memory tests, such as the three-word recall, can be effective in supporting memory retention and recall.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to help patients learn and retain information, the medical assistant should focus on strategies that are known to be effective in memory retention and recall. Using simple language that the patient can understand and focusing on the 'why' behind the information can help make the content more relatable and memorable. Repeating and reinforcing important information is another key technique to aid memory. However, one strategy medical assistants should not employ is overloading the patient with too much information at once, as this can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Effective tasks for assessing memory include the three-word recall test and asking patients to perform tasks such as reciting months of the year in reverse or spelling words backwards. The use of mnemonic devices, like acrostics or acronyms, can also support memory retention. For deeper memory processing, techniques such as elaborative rehearsal, applying the self-reference effect, and distributed practice are recommended.