The impact of the use of video-based educational interventions on patient outcomes in hospital settings: A scoping review

Objective

To summarize the literature on the impact of video-based educational interventions on patient outcomes in inpatient settings as compared to standard education techniques.

Methods

This review followed a scoping review methodology. English language articles were searched in Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria were: use of video-based educational interventions, and inpatient hospital settings. Abstracts were reviewed and selected according to predetermined criteria, followed by full-text scrutiny.

Results

Sixty-two empirical studies were identified, with 38 (61%) reporting a significant positive effect of video-based educational interventions on patient outcomes, compared to control groups (i.e., standard education). Three different types of video-based educational intervention formats were identified: animated presentations, professionals in practice, and patient narratives. Outcome types included: knowledge-based, clinical, emotional, and behavioral, with knowledge-based most prevalent.

Conclusion

Video-based educational interventions are common in the hospital setting. These interventions are effective at improving short-term health literacy goals, but their impact on behavior or lifestyle modifications is unclear. Their effectiveness also depends on presentation format, timing, and the patient’s emotional well-being.

Practice implications

Video-based educational delivery is effective for improving short-term health literacy, however a combination of approaches delivered over an extended period of time may support improving longer-term health outcomes.