Ideas That Work: Patient Instructions Video a Success!

Practical pearls from your colleagues

Providers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Endoscopy Department know that the care of their patients begins well before they arrive for their appointments — and effective instructions to prepare for endoscopy procedures are a big part of that.

They also understand that inadequate bowel prep because the instructions aren’t followed leads to a significant number of case cancellations and delays. Importantly, they also realize many patients are visual or auditory learners, which means written instructions aren’t usually the best way to get them ready for their procedures.

That’s why nurse Lindora Clark, MSN, RN, CGRN, and Octavia Pickett-Blakely, MD, MPH, collaborated to create a 12-minute instructional video. Beyond the bowel prep instructions, the video includes jargon-free explanations of why their procedure was ordered and what to expect when they arrive at the facility.

The video also includes a review of which medications should be halted and which dietary restrictions should be implemented. A wallet card with a QR code and a link to the video is given to patients. Written instructions are still available in their patient portal. The video appears on the Penn Medicine Gastroenterology website and is used by multiple GI practices across the Penn Medicine health system, says Nurse Manager Colleen Demopoulos, MSN, RN, CAPA.

“This was an empowering endeavor for our patients because it gives them the resources required to have a positive experience,” adds Perioperative Nursing Professional Development Specialist Sara Navarro, MSN, RN, PCCN. “It also empowered our nurses and physicians to know they can make positive change on the unit and advocate for their patients at all phases of care.” OSM