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Anne Williams,
RN, MS, CPHQ, Coordinator, Patient Satisfaction & Performance
Improvement, University of Maryland Medical Center
Leanne Worsfold,
RPN, CCE, VP/Director of Hospital Services, The
Health Television System Inc.
Summary:
After national implementation of a 24-hour in-hospital
patient education television channel, patients report the
positive impact of this educational method and the desire
to use this learning tool at the bedside.
The Health Television
System Inc. (HTS),
provides in-hospital patient education television networks
nationally in the United States and Canada. Two channels broadcast
via closed circuit system and are seen on patients' bedside
televisions. The Parent Channel
is targeted for maternity and pediatrics populations, and
Healthtv
focuses on the needs of cardiac, oncology and general
medical adult patient populations.
The channels, available
free of charge to patients, are delivered in a conventional
television format. This method was chosen over a video-on-demand
system which requires a form of personal compliance, in that
patients have to take a more active role than can sometimes
be expected given some demographics and circumstances. Principles
of adult education are followed in programming to accommodate
different learning styles. Three hours of programming repeat
eight times daily, allowing for numerous viewings at a wide
variety of times. The Health
Television System Inc. model
endeavors, much like a conventional television network, to
ensure viewers 'stay tuned' through the use of personal "real
life" stories, appealing graphics, public services messages,
and up-to-date information. Programming focuses on quality-of-life,
after-hospital issues - in many cases equipping patients with
practical and recovery-related questions they may not have
known to ask.
From November 2000
through March 2001, HTS
undertook a national survey to determine the effectiveness
of its television programming service in supporting patients'
learning, enhancing communications between patients and health
care providers, and promoting healthy behaviors. Patients
were also surveyed on their level of preference for various
modes of bedside education.
Four Healthtv
hospitals sites were chosen for surveying based on size and
geographic location. Adult patients were randomly chosen from
medical, cardiac, surgical, and oncology populations. Patient
participation was voluntary and confidential. Overall sample
size was 134 patients. Sampling represented 15% of the patient
population potentially exposed to Healthtv
on the units listed above from the four selected sites.
Survey results show
that 76% of patients, who were aware of Healthtv,
watched Healthtv.
Patients watched on average of two to three programs with
the average length of viewing time as 30-60 minutes. In addition,
patients reported that Healthtv
was the second most preferred method of learning in
a hospital environment.
Survey results indicate:
- Healthtv
is a highly desirable method of learning compared
to print material or classes, second to talking with their
healthcare provider;
- When given the option, patients choose
to learn using this educational tool;
- High patient viewership and desire to
learn using TV format;
- Increased staff awareness is critical
for excellent patient usage;
- Positive impact on enhancing healthcare
/ patient communication relations and medication compliance
issues;
- Patients desire in-hospital use of the
Internet as a teaching tool and source of information;
- Online, in-hospital access to the latest
research, medication, key associations and community support
groups are high rated topics requested by patients;
- Patients request in-hospital education
and information at the bedside.
The Healthtv
National Usage Survey
proved the concept of The Health
Television System Inc. including
format, programming philosophy, presentation and staff support
positively affects health promotion through improved communication
between patients / families and health care professionals.
Also proven was the desire to have patient education and information
at the bedside.
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