Podcasts as a tool to support patient participation in hospital consultations: An intervention study

Patient participation in healthcare is essential for improving patient-centred communication, shared decision-making, and overall health outcomes. However, barriers like complex medical terminology and limited health literacy often hinder effective participation, particularly during hospital consultations. Podcasts providing condition-specific information before the hospital consultation may help address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effect of podcasts on patient participation and to explore associations with patient characteristics.

A quasi-experimental intervention study with a non-equivalent comparison group was conducted in three Danish respiratory outpatient clinics (2020-2023). Patients referred with either suspected lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or sleep apnoea were included. The intervention group received standard written information, along with condition-specific podcasts, whereas the comparison group received only standard written information. Patient participation was assessed using The Activity Barometer (TAB) based on audio-recorded consultations. TAB scores reflect the number and type of patient contributions (questions, concerns, and preferences), weighted by importance (1, 3, or 10 points) and summed into total and subdomain scores.

120 patients were included, with 60 patients in each group. The overall TAB score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the comparison group (mean 67.1 vs. 75.9; adjusted p = 0.032; relative change 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.55-0.97)), corresponding to a relative reduction of 27 %. While total scores declined, subdomain scores varied: Patients expressed more preferences (mean 5.2 vs. 2.3) and fewer concerns (mean 16.4 vs. 21.1) after implementing podcasts. At the same time, the number of questions asked tended to be lower (mean 45.5 vs. 52.5).

Among respiratory outpatients, podcasts reduced overall participation. Specifically, podcasts were associated with more expressed preferences and fewer expressed concerns.

Condition-specific podcasts may influence patient engagement, potentially fostering greater expression of preferences while reducing concerns during consultations.