Introduction
This large multicenter study aimed to assess the impact of the use of multimedia tools on the duration and the quality of the conversation between healthcare providers (urologists, radiotherapists and nurses) and their patients.
Methods
30 urological centers in Belgium used either videos or other instructive tools in their consultation with prostate cancer patients. Each consultation was evaluated for duration and quality using a visual analog scale.
Results
In total, 905 patient visits were evaluated: 447 without and 458 with video support. During consultations with video support, an average of 2.3 videos was shown. Video support was judged to be practical and to improve the quality of consultations, without loss of time, regardless of patient age or stage of disease management (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Healthcare providers indicate that the use of videos improved patient comprehension about prostate cancer, as well as the quality information exchange, without increasing consultation time. The use of video material was feasible in daily practice, and was easy to understand, relevant and culturally appropriate, even for the most elderly men. Multimedia education also helped to empower men to actively participate in their healthcare and treatment discussions.
Funding
Ipsen NV.