JPL Releases New Tool for Physicians to Educate Patients

Physicians have a new tool to educate patients using multimedia-assisted patient education programs created by the e-Learning team at JPL Productions.

Using an engaging blend of narration, graphics and other visuals, the web-based programs provide patients with an overview of the procedure or surgery, the pre- and post-operative instructions and the benefits and risks. The program ends with a short quiz to confirm their understanding.

The web-based programs walk patients through pre- and post-operative instructions, outline risks and benefits of procedures or surgery and take them through a short quiz to confirm their understanding. Quiz results are emailed to the physician so he or she can better address concerns at the next appointment and gather information for informed consent.

Since the programs are written and designed in conjunction with the medical team, the information is directly related to the physician’s own practice, rather than the generic and often misleading information patients find on the Internet.

“Patients who are better informed are more likely to properly prepare for a procedure and follow post-procedure steps, which means fewer cancelled surgeries and fewer complications,” said JPL e-Learning manager Steve Hulse.

Recently, JPL completed two multimedia-assisted patient education programs for Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to help patients better understand gastric bypass surgery and bone marrow transplants.

“What makes the gastric bypass program so patient-friendly is that it can be viewed in the convenience of a patient’s home at his or her own pace. The question and answer session at the end of the program helps to ensure that patients understand the information presented to them,” said Janelle McLeod, program coordinator, Penn State Surgical Weight Loss Program. “This is truly a valuable educational tool that expands patients’ knowledge about gastric bypass surgery,” she added.

“The multimedia patient education programs are not meant to replace one-on-one time with the patient but rather to improve the quality of the time together. Since the programs are web-based, it also makes it easy for caregivers and family members to access the program to help the patient understand a condition or procedure,” Hulse added.

Programs are easy to update when information changes and can contain photos, graphics, animation and video branded to a healthcare provider’s practice. For more information, visit www.jplprod.com/patiented.