Usability and feasibility of multimedia interventions for engaging patients in their care in the context of acute recovery: A narrative review

Embedding the Use of Patient Multimedia Educational Resources Into Cardiac Acute Care: Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Multimedia interventions may play an important role in improving patient care and reducing the time constraints of patient-clinician encounters. The "MyStay Cardiac" multimedia resource is an innovative program designed to be accessed by adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the uptake of the MyStay Cardiac both during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A prospective observational study design was used that involved the evaluation of program usage data available from the digital interface of the multimedia program. Data on usage patterns were analyzed for a 30-month period between August 2020 and January 2023. Usage patterns were compared during and following the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Uptake of the MyStay Cardiac was measured via the type and extent of user activity data captured by the web-based information system.

RESULTS

Intensive care unit recovery information was the most accessed information, being viewed in approximately 7 of 10 usage sessions. Ward recovery (n=124/343, 36.2%), goal (n=114/343, 33.2%), and exercise (n=102/343, 29.7%) information were routinely accessed. Most sessions involved users exclusively viewing text-based information (n=210/343, 61.2%). However, in over one-third of sessions (n=132/342, 38.5%), users accessed video information. Most usage sessions occurred during the COVID-19 restriction phase of the study (August 2020-December 2021). Sessions in which video (P=.02, phi=0.124) and audio (P=.006, phi=0.161) media were accessed were significantly more likely to occur in the restriction phase compared to the postrestriction phase.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the use of digital multimedia resources to support patient education was well received and integrated into their practice by cardiac nurses working in acute care during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a pattern for greater usage of the MyStay Cardiac during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to the health service for nonfrontline, essential workers was limited.

Forearmed is forewarned: A prospective intervention observational time-series study of patient empowerment for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound (US) is a valuable adjunct to improve the success rates of difficult peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) insertions but is usually clinician initiated. The present study assessed for any change in clinician practice resulting from interventions aimed at empowering patients to advocate for early use of US if they self-identified as having difficult PIVC access.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational time-series study using a rapid quality improvement (RQI) framework. Three ED waiting room intervention strategies (printed media, video and wristband) were tested over three 2-week periods at a large teaching hospital. The impact of each intervention was assessed at eight time points during each intervention and compared to a pre-intervention baseline period using trend and time-series analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1611 PIVC insertions were surveyed over 42 time points. The proportion of US-guided PIVC insertions was highest during Intervention 3 (wristbands; 5.5%) but all proportions remained below baseline (6.5%). Trend analysis identified an increasing frequency of US use during Intervention 1 (printed media, P = 0.01). However, no statistically significant trends were observed within the periods.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective study to assess the effect of various interventions to empower patients to self-identify as having difficult PIVC access and advocate for the use of US-guidance. The present study was indeterminate: no intervention tested in the present study noticeably influenced clinical practice, potentially attributable to the study design and confounding factors. This innovative study serves as a pilot for future research into patient empowerment, which is currently lacking in the literature.

Opportunities for patients to engage in postoperative recovery following cardiac surgery: A systematic narrative review

OBJECTIVE

To compare patient booklets with clinical guidelines and care pathways to assess: gaps in content and depth of information delivered, opportunities for patients participation and to review the trajectory of care to inform recovery.

METHODS

A systematic review of the grey literature was conducted using Google search engine and a variety of terms related to cardiac surgery, patient outcomes and recovery pathways. Patient books and care pathways were obtained from major hospitals in Melbourne. Resources were included if they were published between January 2013-August 2018 and written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 31 resources were included in the review, (n = 14 patient booklets, n = 17 clinician guides). Twenty-one topics of recovery were identified. Patient booklets provided information on more topics of recovery than clinician guides (50 % and 24 % respectively). Clinician guides provided more depth on information on topics of recovery than patient booklets (85 % and 73 % respectively). The majority of patient booklets outlined patient participation was in five topics of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaps in the type and depth of information exist between patient and clinician guidelines. Clearer guidelines on how patients can participate in care are needed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses are key drivers in facilitating patient participation in postoperative recovery.