Final answer:
Patients tend to remember instructions best when they are provided in written form, which allows for repeated referral and aids in retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients are most likely to remember instructions when the medical assistant uses a method that engages the patients actively and connects the information to what they already know. Written instructions provide a physical reminder that can be referred to multiple times, aiding in memory recall and retention. This educational method can be especially helpful when paired with other strategies such as rehearsal, elaboration and the self-reference effect, which can make the information more personal and memorable.