Evaluation of COPD Patient Education Methods: A Critical Appraisal and Product Evaluation Project

Abstract Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects close to 16 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the United States with recent estimates of care costing approximately $49.9 billion. The 30-day hospital readmission rates for this diagnosis are exceedingly high with an estimate of 14%, thus making it imperative that patients have a solid understanding of their disease state. Continuous efforts are being made to improve patient care with the focus on patient education. Educational methods and tools utilized include paper brochures, verbal instruction, and use of Audiovisual tools including the Getwellnetwork(TM). At project inception, no process or protocol existed at the clinical site of interest to ensure that the content of educational materials are consistent with evidence-based and guideline recommendations. Additionally, educational content may not be reviewed to be actionable and understandable to the patients. Thus, revealing no standard method deemed superior to provide patients and caregivers education upon hospital discharge for a diagnosis of this chronic condition. A product evaluation and appraisal of an audiovisual educational platform known as the Getwellnetwork(TM) that is available on demand with the use of a SMART TV was completed. The appraisal was inclusive of a pulmonary interprofessional expert panel to ensure the modules and materials are reviewed from different healthcare disciplines. Panel members utilized the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual (PEMAT-AV) materials to assess module content for actionability and understandability. Results from this product evaluation project may be useful for other chronic disease education materials. Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD, Getwellnetwork (TM), PEMAT-AV, patient education, self-management, AV educationD.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201