After reading a report by Blue Shield of California Foundation, Health Care in California: Leveling the Playing Field, I was reminded that some patients are just harder to engage in their healthcare. Low literacy level, non-English speaking, elderly, cultural differences…the list goes on of why a healthcare team may struggle with engaging a patient in their own care.
The Blue Shield of California Foundation report found several ways to raise patient engagement particularly in low-income patients, including “increased use of communication technology to enhance patients’ information access and connection with their care providers and facilities.” eVideon™ is a key communication tool to do just that.
Better Inpatient and Outpatient Education
Video education is an effective method to educating patients, especially those with literacy or language barriers. The report also found that “providing patients with information resources – for example, like a video, has the potential for substantial benefits.” We’ve heard it said that if a picture is worth thousand words, then a video is worth a thousand pictures. This is especially true for patients who cannot comprehend or possibly even read written instructions, website or email reminders.
eVideon™ can be used either inpatient – using the patient’s television – or outpatient – in the exam room through a tablet, computer or television. Videos are also available in multiple languages, addressing language barriers.
Communications Specific to that Patient, not all Patients
eVideon™’s flexible customization allows hospitals to present information and navigation in most any language – from Spanish to Arabic to Chinese. Patients can view information on their condition, the hospital, their care team, and social and health services in their primary language, in addition to videos and flip charts. Even the visual design of the interface can be customized to the patient. For example, a flowery pastel view for an elderly woman, a patriot theme for a veteran and a bright dinosaur theme for a young boy.
Identify Patients who Need Help
Not all patients are easy to identify as needing help. Through eVideon™, the hospital can ask patients questions to determine who needs additional education and/or special programs, such as a care navigator or social services. You can give patients a pre-discharge survey, asking a patient if they understand how to take care of themselves at home, know when to take their new medications, have a follow-up appointment set, etc.
Post-video assessments also gauge the patient’s comprehension of the material presented as well as reinforce learning. If a patient answers most of the questions incorrectly, then their nurse knows where to focus his or her time.
In the battle of engaging patients, there is no panacea. However, eVideon™ is an easy and effective communication tool to help identify and reach those hard-to-engage patients.
