Innovative Patient and Family Education

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale The shift of responsibilities to the outpatient arena for patients and caregivers has challenged educators to expand information accessibility from onsite education to easily accessible internet resources.  Effective education keeps patients safe by providing caregivers specific information when needed.  Caregivers expect to get the trustworthy information from doctors and nurses as well as on line. Most caregivers have mobile devices (Pew 2013) and increasingly rely upon the internet for information (Longacre, 2013).

Methods, Intervention, & Analysis Ongoing pre/post Program Evaluation surveys are available. We developed a multiplatform strategy utilizing social media (Facebook), on line video library, live- streaming classes, online patient manuals, and a RN monitored phone line in addition to traditional formats such as a foundation class focusing on post-transplant in the home. This approach provides access to specific personalized information anywhere. These approaches allow accessibility unimaginable a few years ago.

Online distribution of patient manuals ensures current information at home. Video links are contained in online manuals. The core transplant videos include clinic orientation, managing care at home, CVC care, donor information, long-term follow up, food safety, and relaxation. There are over 70 videos in the online library. Patients and families use the videos in anticipation of treatment as well as for review of material.

Findings & Interpretation The presentation will include data from three sources: Facebook analytics (3000 monthly interactions), ongoing surveys from program evaluations and from a research protocol. Survey comments like “have PDFs of caregiver manuals online” and “have videos online” guided development. Results indicate preference for personalized RN/MD instruction, classes, and manuals (>4.5/5) over generic pamphlets (3.7/5).  Many patients have rotating caregivers or out of town family members who rely upon online materials.

Discussion & Implications Other facilities should adapt a multiplatform model which addresses the growing computer literacy of patients while simultaneously assisting low literacy patients.