Watch this space: a systematic review of the use of video-based media as a patient education tool in ophthalmology

Abstract

Effective clinician-patient communication is particularly important in ophthalmology where long-term adherence to treatment is often required. However, in the context of increasingly pressurised clinics, there is a tendency to resort to written information leaflets not suited to patients with visual impairment, non-English speakers or those with low levels of literacy. Video-based media could be harnessed to enhance clinician-patient communication. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of using video-based media for patient education in ophthalmology. A pre-defined search strategy was used by two independent researchers to systematically review the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases. Eligible articles included peer-reviewed studies involving ophthalmology patients, who received a solely video-based educational intervention to assess for improvement in patient knowledge, behaviour and overall health-related outcomes. The search yielded 481 studies of which 31 passed initial screening. Following full-text analysis, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which seven studies (58.3%) were randomised controlled trials. The majority of studies (58.3%) reported outcomes on patient comprehension with 5/7 (71%) showing statistically significant improvement after video intervention. Four studies (33.3%) reported on patient performance in a task (e.g. drop application method) or overall health-related outcome with 2/4 (50%) showing statistically significant improvement after intervention. Though more evidence is needed, the use of video-based media appears to be effective in improving patient understanding and in certain cases may ameliorate overall outcome. There is a paucity of well-designed studies and future research is required to fully examine the role of video-based media in patient education.

Disparities in Vision Health and Eye Care

“…Although more evidence is needed, the use of video-based mediadand, more specifically, in the physician exam roomdappears to be effective in improving patient understanding. 234,235 Electronic health (e-health) systems intended for patient use (e.g., websites, apps, text messaging) are often designed without considering the needs of disadvantaged patients and their level of e-health literacy. 236 Several variables, such as experience, education, numeracy, and overall health literacy, income, and rurality, are associated with e-health literacy.…”

The Importance of Health Literacy in Addressing Eye Health and Eye Care Disparities

“…A systematic review evaluating the use of videos for patient education showed significant improvement in patient understanding in 5 of 7 studies after video materials were viewed. 29 Video interventions were also shown to help patients perform specific tasks, such as using eye drops. 30 Although more evidence is needed, the use of video-based materials appears to be an effective patient education tool in ophthalmology.…”

“…30 Although more evidence is needed, the use of video-based materials appears to be an effective patient education tool in ophthalmology. 29 Health coaching is another useful intervention for patient education. Studies of patients with glaucoma have shown that health coaching via telephone or in person has improved adherence to medication regimens.…”

The effect of a video tutorial to improve patients’ keratoconus knowledge – a randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis of published reports

“…An electronic search revealed a recently published systematic review on video-based media as patient education tool in ophthalmology (8). Additionally, a further study assessing video-presented information about excimer laser treatment was included (9).…”