Patient Education 2.0: Interactive On-Demand Video Education

By Kathy Levine, RN

Over the past 20 years, technology has drastically changed with the way we communicate and learn. Traditional educational mediums such as handouts and brochures are taking a back seat to more interactive tools, such as on-demand video education. This learning evolution represents a technological paradigm shift to which hospitals across the country are adapting.

In the hospital setting, the television has a significant role in the overall patient experience. In many instances, the in-room television acts as the only source of entertainment and education for the patient during their stay. Patient educators now leverage this familiar technology, implementing on-demand curriculum for patients to access and view throughout their recovery.

The average American now watches more than 4 hours of television each day (A.C. Nielsen Co.) and 73.6% of Americans utilizing the Internet (Internet World Stats). Additional technology advancements, such as LCD televisions, HD programming and social media sites such as YouTube® and Facebook®, fuel the public's desire for visualization and interactive communication mediums. These statistics speak to the fact that technology represents a popular and attractive educational tool.

Moreover, the use of multimedia patient education tools, in conjunction with an EMR, can deliver more value for patients and their providers by directly linking the educational module to the provider's point of care.