Objective: To determine what percent of patients would prepare for their periodic physical examination by viewing video education about recommended health maintenance procedures and the impact of the video on those who viewed it.
Methods: 274 patients were invited via US mail and a reminder phone call to view the video. A patient survey immediately followed the visit.
Results: 167 surveys were completed and 73 (44%) indicated they had viewed the video. Seventy one percent who viewed the video reported it prompted them to ask at least one health maintenance question and 25% were prompted to ask 4 or more questions. Those who viewed the video rated being more prepared to discuss and keep up to date with health maintenance procedures.
Conclusions: Nearly half of patients were willing to view an educational video from home prior to their office visits and most were prompted to ask specific health maintenance questions. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and quantify the value of this educational video in activating patients regarding receiving recommended health maintenance procedures.
Practice implications: Video education from home may active patients to improve their involvement in general health maintenance during their annual examination.
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