The recommendations within this guideline are based on the following key assumptions:
1. A client is defined as a person, persons, group, aggregate or community with whom the nurse is engaged in a professional, therapeutic partnership relationship in any setting
2. Clients have the right to assume responsibility for their own learning or to delegate this responsibility to others
3. Collaborative partnership relationships with clients are critical to the success of client centred learning
4. Nurses must know their learner
5. Communication is central to client centred learning. It is the responsibility of nurses to actively listen to their clients and align their conversations accordingly
6. Information, resources and support for clients should promote care that is evidence informed and respects clients’ preferences
7. Client understanding of the information is needed for effective learning
8. Nurses are reflective practitioners, and continue to grow and learn in their role as facilitators of learning
9. Given the complexities of health care, strong health literacy skills of nurses and clients can have overall benefits for the health-care system.