Integrated Digital Patient Education at the Bedside for Patients with Chronic Conditions: Observational Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Patient education delivered by a healthcare provider to a patient increases patient understanding and adherence to medical instructions, which helps to improve patient health. Multiple challenges exist to delivering effective patient education to complex patients with multiple chronic conditions, including giving the necessary time, range and types of learning materials, and assessing level of understanding. Electronic means to assist in patient education continue to advance, with the use of mobile devices, interactive media, 3D, and multi-media educational content. OBJECTIVE This study addresses the need for blended learning strategies combining technical and workflow integration of digital patient education systems for patients with chronic conditions within and across the regular process of care. Studies are needed to evaluate the utility and benefits of these technologies for providers and patients alike. METHODS Mixed methods including survey administration to patients (n=178) after receiving digital patient education in person with a healthcare provider, and interviews with providers whom used the mobile digital health education technology (n=16) to deliver instruction to patients. RESULTS Participants who were counseled using blended digital health education reported improved understanding of educational content (p=.034) and chronic health conditions (p<.001); were more motivated to care for themselves at home (p<.001); more likely to say they felt capable of making healthcare decisions with their doctors (p<.001) and on their own (p=.001); and were more likely to report their intention of following their doctor’s instructions (p<.001) than those whose education was not computer-based. CONCLUSIONS Patient education for patients with chronic conditions may be more effective when provided in blended digital formats supervised by a healthcare provider over traditional formats.