Charleston (W. Va.) Area Medical Center reported reduced levels of congestive heart failure readmissions after implementing a new patient engagement program.
Physicians and nurses at the medical center developed "video prescriptions" for patients with diseases like congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prior to discharge, patients and family members watched these interactive videos, which reviewed instructions for their care and medications.
Following the videos, patients took comprehension quizzes, the results of which were sent to nurse navigators. The nurse navigators then met with patients to provide additional educational opportunities to ensure patient comprehension.
"Many patients are visual learners and can better retain information from videos than from reading patient handouts," said Don Lilly, MD, a cardiologist and associate CMO at CAMC. "Videos along with corresponding quizzes through the television in their room stimulate conversation and facilitate learning for the whole family."
CAMC reduced readmissions for congestive heart failure by more than 22 percent and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by almost 30 percent since implementing the program.