Development Of An Educational Video To Improve Patient Knowledge And Communication With Their Healthcare Providers About Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening persist due to individual, provider and system level barriers. PURPOSE: To develop and obtain initial feedback about a CRC screening educational video from community members and medical professionals. METHODS: Focus groups of patients were conducted prior to the development of an educational video and focus groups of patients provided initial feedback about the developed CRC screening educational video. Medical personnel reviewed the video and made recommendations prior to final editing of the video. RESULTS: Patients identified CRC screening barriers and made suggestions about the information to include in the educational video. Their suggestions included using a healthcare provider to state the importance of completing CRC screening, demonstrate how to complete the fecal occult blood test, and that men and women from diverse ethnic groups and races could be included in the same video. Participants reviewed the developed video and mentioned that their suggestions were portrayed correctly, the video was culturally appropriate, and the information presented in the video was easy to understand. Medical personnel made suggestions on ways to improve the content and the delivery of the medical information prior to final editing of the video. DISCUSSION: Participants provided valuable information in the development of an educational video to improve patient knowledge and patient-provider communication about CRC screening. The educational video developed was based on the Protection Motivation Theory and addressed the colon cancer screening barriers identified in this mostly minority and low-income patient population. Future research will determine if CRC screening increases among patients who watch the educational video. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Educational videos can provide important information about CRC and CRC screening to average-risk adults.

Figure 1

Protection Motivation Theory Applied To Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Rogers RW. Protection Motivation Theory, 1997.