Below are the citation and abstract of a new systematic review that is highly relevant to HIFA. We have previously discussed the role of health education in patient waiting rooms, but I don't recall a discussion in the context of inpatients. I look forward to hear your views and experience.
Incidentally, the authors are from Brazil and the journal is a Brazilian publication. But the full text is in English, with only the abstract in Portuguese. Is this part of a wider trend?
CITATION: Moreira-Ximenes MA, Oliveira-Fontenele NÂ, Sousa-Albuquerque Brandão MG, Teixeira-Lima FE, Gomes Ribeiro S, de Almeida-Rebouças CB, et al. Effectiveness of information and communication technologies to improve the knowledge of hospitalized patients: Systematic review. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(2):e3854
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11807001/pdf/2216-0973-cuid-15-...
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hospitals serve as important settings for health education initiatives facilitated by technology. Utilizing these resources, healthcare professionals can enhance patient care practices. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of information and communication technologies in enhancing the knowledge of hospitalized patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to address the research question: "Which information and communication technologies effectively improve the knowledge of hospitalized patients?" The search encompassed electronic databases such as Scopus, the National Library of Medicine, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Cochrane, and Excerpta Medica Database. Gray literature was sourced through Google Scholar. The exposure factor was educational interventions employing information and communication technologies, with the outcome measured as improved knowledge. Only randomized clinical trials in any language were included.
RESULTS: A total of 1,153 articles were initially identified, from which four were deemed eligible for inclusion. These studies demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing knowledge through educational interventions utilizing technologies such as video, applications, and concept maps.
DISCUSSION: Information and communication technologies have been shown to enhance patient knowledge. Nonetheless,there is a paucityofresearch exploring hospitals as platforms for technology-mediated educational interventions. CONCLUSION: Educational interventions employing information and communication technologies in hospital settings effectively enhance patient knowledge.
The authors conclude:
'Educational interventions using ICTs in the hospital setting effectively improve the knowledge of hospitalized patients, resulting in patient satisfaction, skill acquisition, and reduced anxiety among patients. However, despite the numerous benefits of ICTs, it is important to emphasize that ICT implementation during hospitalization requires behavioral changes from both professionals and patients towards health education. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that ICTs are used as a tool to support care, maintaining close and empathetic communication between professionals, patients, and their families...'
HIGHLIGHTS
• Information and communication technologies in the hospital environment assist in improving patient knowledge.
• Information and communication technologies are accessible resources for the health education of professionals, patients, and caregivers during hospitalization.
• Health interventions using information and communication technologies can promote patient safety.
• The use of health technologies facilitates interaction between professionals and patients, resulting in safe and quality care
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org