On-line bariatric surgery information session as effective as in-person information session

Web-Based Educational Seminars Compare Favorably with In-House Seminars for Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…However, while national surveys have shown that the younger generation are more likely to search for health information online(6), this three-year age difference may be of limited clinical value and may not reflect a generational age gap in our patient population. There was no difference in postoperative outcomes in regards to length of stay, follow up, and change in BMI, which is again consistent with other published research (4). The type of seminar, which the patients choose, does not change their degree of success with surgery.…”

“…The online seminar participants were on average younger which is consistent with previously reported literature (4,5). However, while national surveys have shown that the younger generation are more likely to search for health information online(6), this three-year age difference may be of limited clinical value and may not reflect a generational age gap in our patient population.…”

“…Furthermore, they are cost effective, available for review, more attractive to younger generation and sensitive to the needs of those with limited mobility and outside of practice's usual geographic area (4). Nevertheless, very few studies have examined the role of online seminars in the education of patients seeking bariatric surgery (4,5). It is important to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach before recommending it for wide use.…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, And Nonsurgical Support Of The Bariatric Surgery Patient2013 Update: Cosponsored By American Association Of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, And American Society For Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

“…Informed consent for bariatric surgery is a dynamic process of education and comprehension in addition to the disclosure of risks and benefits (134 [EL 3, NE]; 135 [EL 2, PCS]). Educational objectives, active teaching and learning processes, and assessments are recommended (134 [EL 3, NE]; 136 [EL 4, NE]; 137 [EL 4, NE]) and should be communicated at a 6th–8th grade reading level (138 [EL 4, NE]).…”

Ascertaining the Place of Social Media and Technology for Bariatric Patient Support: What Do Allied Health Practitioners Think?

“…However, the authors report difficulties in evaluating the efficacy for the whole study population (11). The results of an on-line information programme for bariatric surgical patients found this method to be as effective as face to face consultations when participants were tested for their recall of the information given (12). A further study with a high risk veteran population pre-and post-bariatric surgery in remote areas found high levels of patient satisfaction with no adverse surgical outcomes (13).…”