ASPO Abstracts
Just In Time Health Communication: Using the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to deliver tailored patient education
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To pilot test the MyCareCompass (MCC) digital patient engagement system that deploys personalized and health literacy-friendly videos, emails and text messaging to educate patients and caregivers about how to prepare for their procedures and treatment at the exact time they need it utilizing EMR scheduling software and select patient data points. Methods: A Steering Committee (population science, clinical, IT, social work, and patient education) was established to guide the development and focus of the pilot to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of integrating MCC with the EMR. Patients scheduled for a port-insertion automatically received personalized texts/emails from MCC. They received a text/email immediately upon scheduling introducing them to MCC, the day before their procedure to prepare them for their upcoming port-insertion, and after their procedure to discuss aftercare. Additional information (general support, nutrition, and financial) was sent following the port-insertion materials across a one-month period. Surveys were embedded into MCC and sent directly to patients, and a short follow-up interview was conducted with patients who opt-in through a REDCap survey. Results: Between February-November, 2021, 609 patients were enrolled in MCC and received educational emails, texts and videos related to their port insertion procedure triggered automatically via integration between EMR data points and MCC technology. 106 patients completed the voluntary survey sent 3 days after the last port insertion video. Patients rated the MCC as helpful in easing anxiety (92%), understanding why the port was needed (92%), preparing (93%) and caring for the port (91%). Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with 12 patients who provided consent. Consistent with the survey findings, patients valued receiving the information in real time and reported it improved their preparation for the procedure. Although most indicated it reduced their anxiety, a few reported it increased their anxiety.Conclusions: With the multi-disciplinary stakeholder involvement in designing and launching the pilot, we were able to set-up the data exchange with a flawless, automated implementation. Patient feedback was extremely positive in regard to prep
Keywords: Implementation automated digital patient education