Improving the patient experience

through video

swahsn.com

Health and Care Videos has created the largest collection of video interventions in the health and care sector in the UK, supporting patients and carers to self-manage, reducing demand and increasing the capacity of staff.

Their unique library platform, in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, is used by providers in primary, secondary and social care. All the videos have been written by clinicians, and new content is constantly being created. This accessible and easily understandable advice results in better informed patients and better outcomes for staff and patients.

Case study

South West Academic Health Science Network, Pynes Hill Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5AZswahsn.com

Impacts/ outcomes

The challenge

The impact Plans for the future

Health and Care Videos achieve this through the provision of consistent, easy-to-digest health information.

At the same time, there are clinical teams that are looking for ways to free up staff time and implement technology, but don’t know where to start.

Health and Care Videos has worked with clients to assist in pathway redesign in podiatry, rheumatology, cardiology, physiotherapy, maternity and more. They can tailor the library for a specific service and customise its look and feel, for example making it a seamless part of a general practice website.

Patients are increasingly taking a greater interest in the management of their condition. They also want to be more empowered to self-care.

‘The team now direct patients to videos to aid their treatment plan. This saves time as patients are now seen in 30 minutes rather than 40 minutes. Video has helped save paper and improved compliance as patients can watch the videos in their own time, at their own pace.’

— Angela Abbot, Head of Podiatry and Orthotics, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

‘Excellent explanation given in a clear and understandable manner, which is very reassuring. The emphasis is on the patient and the offer of explanations and the encouragement to ask questions is helpful when one is having this procedure.’

— Colonoscopy patient of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

For more information call 01392 247903 or email info@swahsn.com

Adoption and spread

Monthly views of the videos on offer have steadily increased from 16,000 in 2015 to 90,000 in 2017, and they are on track for 160,000 views in 2018.

By offering an accessible alternative to printed leaflets, the visual power of video has helped patients retain information better. Patients feel better informed, less anxious and more confident in their self-management.

Individual feedback results by Health and Care Videos show there is a reduced need for people to make an appointment with their GP after watching a video: three out of four patients said that having watched the video they didn’t need to see their GP.

Health and Care Videos are working with a large number of trusts, clinical commissioning groups and clinical research network members across the UK, and have also started talks with organisations in China. The momentum behind using video is increasing and future aims are to continue sharing success stories to gain more interest, especially to commission libraries of patient information.

With support since 2015 from the South West Academic Health Science Network to help develop the offer, Health and Care Videos now covers the UK and is attracting interest internationally.