Dissemination of validated health literacy videos: A tailored approach

Previously, we showed that chemotherapy terminology is difficult for patients to understand. Therefore, we developed short videos explaining key terminology and though proven effective, they will only be helpful if appropriately disseminated. Therefore, we aimed to determine the best dissemination method at three different healthcare settings.

With consent, we interviewed healthcare workers from (1) an academic cancer center, Winship Cancer Institute (Winship) serving higher SES patients, (2) an inner-city, safety-net hospital Grady Memorial (GMH), (3) clinics serving rural Georgia, from the Winship Community Network (Network). All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a semantic content analysis method. Suggested dissemination plans were then implemented.

Twenty-two Winship, 11 GMH, and 4 Network healthcare workers were interviewed. Seventy-two percent (n = 8) of the GMH and 100% (n = 4) of Network healthcare workers felt that the best place for patients to view the videos was in the clinic, compared to 27% (n = 6) of the Winship clinicians. 68% (n = 15) of the Winship clinicians stated an app would be the most useful format, compared to 27% (n = 3) at GMH, and 0% at Network sites. Video viewing increased after dissemination plans were implemented.

Educational materials explaining oncology treatment terminology enhance patient understanding, yet without proper dissemination, these tools may never reach the intended patient population. Our study shows that dissemination plans need to be tailored to each individual patient population, with rural and lower SES patients needing to view the videos during clinic visits, and patients of more means viewing them using technology at home.