Is it more effective for patients to read instructions before surgery on a piece of paper or by watching a video on an iPad? A new study by Regis, a leading Catholic university in Greater Boston, and Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital (BWFH) in Boston, will answer that question.
The collaborative study, “iPad Education to Optimize Patient Teaching and Efficiency in the Preoperative Setting,” aims to increase a patient’s knowledge and satisfaction, and decrease patient anxiety. Dr. Margaret Oot-Hayes, professor of nursing at Regis and nurse scientist at BWFH, and Robin Kaufman, FNP-BC at BWFH, are the lead investigators of the study. The study was funded by a Regis faculty grant made possible by alumna Virginia Pyne Kaneb.
The study, launched in mid-January, gives a control group the standard paper version of the perioperative instructions and the experimental group receives an iPad to watch a video version of the instructions. “We hope that technological innovations are adopted in all units of the hospital to improve patient outcomes and reduce ineffective processes,” said Oot-Hayes.
The eight-minute video was produced by Patrick Brosnan Photography. Six iPads were donated by Regis and Kathleen Merrigan, RN, MSN, director of Perioperative Services at BWFH, secured the donation of iPad covers and headphones. Results are expected by the spring.
About Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital is a 162 bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in southwest Boston. Founded in 1900, they offer comprehensive medical, surgical and psychiatric care as well as complete emergency, ambulatory and diagnostic services.
