Enhancing Pediatric Epilepsy Caregiver Education Through Mobile Technology and QR Codes: A Quality Improvement Project
Abstract number :
1.39
Submission category :
15. Practice Resources
Year :
2023
Submission ID :
323
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2023 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Authors :
Presenting Author: John Giang, MD – University of Texas McGovern Medical School
Gretchen Von Allmen, MD – Director of Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Pediatrics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School
Rationale: Optimal management of pediatric epilepsy relies heavily on the ability of caregivers to access, understand, and act on comprehensive epilepsy information. Caregivers of pediatric epilepsy patients are often overwhelmed with complex medical information. With the advent of mobile technology, we identified an opportunity to empower caregivers, increase clinic efficiency, and reduce paperwork through the application of Quick Response (QR) codes linked to vetted, easy-to-read resources.
Methods: A key driver diagram was utilized to articulate our SMART aim: enhancing epilepsy education by utilizing QR codes to provide targeted teaching points, reinforce information retention, and foster physician-patient collaboration. Key drivers included time for resources provision, the presence of adequate specialists, accessibility of epilepsy education, paperwork reduction, clinic efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Interventions addressing these drivers were developed, including the placement of QR-coded posters in our clinics linking to comprehensive information on Epilepsy.com. Topics covered include seizure types, diagnostic methods, medications, epilepsy risks, SUDEP awareness, seizure first aid and recognition, surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy, and the Seizure Tracker® application. The QR codes enable caregivers to save, review, and digest the information at their own pace, thereby preventing information overload. Moreover, medical assistants guide caregivers to utilize these resources while awaiting specialist evaluations.
Results: Caregiver responses were quantified through pre and post intervention nine question surveys. Initial results showed marked improvement in caregivers' understanding of epilepsy, satisfaction with the care provided, and perceived ease of access to crucial epilepsy information post-intervention. The use of QR codes also facilitated a decrease in paperwork, thereby improving clinic efficiency.
Conclusions: This quality improvement project successfully employed mobile technology and QR codes to enhance pediatric epilepsy education for caregivers. The approach led to improved caregiver understanding and retention of epilepsy information, increased patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency. The project's success indicates the potential of mobile technology and QR codes in promoting patient education and streamlining healthcare operations. Future research will focus on assessing the long-term impacts on clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization, with an aim to expand and further refine this patient-centered educational tool based on ongoing caregiver feedback.
Funding: McGovern Medical School Division of Child Neurology
Practice Resources