Communicating Patient Safety Information Through Video and Oral Formats-A Comparison

Objective: One way to decrease adverse events is to increase patient participation in their own care. Sahlgrenska University Hospital has introduced a patient safety advisory, consisting of an animated video and structured oral information. This article investigates how the animated video and structured oral information regarding was perceived by the patients and determines which communication method the patients preferred. Method: In this study, we compared patients' attitudes toward patient safety information delivered in video or oral format. Data were collected after intervention through a survey consisting of 5 questions. Results: One hundred thirty-four patients were recruited to the study. Ninety-two patients either watched the video or received oral information. Forty-two patients were given both oral information and viewed the video. Information received by the patients was rated as good or very good by 90% of those viewing the video and by 100% who received the oral presentation (P = 0.007). Of the 42 participants who received both formats, 74% preferred the oral presentation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The patients thought the patient safety information to be good and beneficial. An informative video can complement the oral information, but not replace, when informing patients about patient safety. Providing patients with information in a manner they prefer may increase patient's involvement in their care and possibly reduce the risk of adverse events.