Identifying Current Barriers in Patient Educational Content Surrounding Rectal Prolapse and Rectocele: Using Animation to Bridge the Gaps.

BACKGROUND: Patient-centered educational resources surrounding rectal prolapse and rectocele can be difficult to locate and understand. Findings of video animation as patient-specific material for these conditions can help guide creation of effective educational tools for patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify female patient preferences for learning about rectal prolapse and rectocele and to obtain feedback on an animation developed to aid patient education on these conditions.

DESIGN: This was a multiple methods study. Participants received a 20-question survey about educational preferences and a 100-second video animation on rectal prolapse and rectocele. Respondents were invited for a semi-structured interview to further express their thoughts regarding health education.

SETTING: This study was conducted from 2022 - 2023, surveys were administered via e-mail and interviews were held virtually.

PATIENTS: Female patients in the institutional review board-approved Stanford Rectal Prolapse Registry were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assess and describe the ability of short video animations to supplement patient education on rectal prolapse and rectocele.

RESULTS: 46 female participants responded and 10 were interviewed. About 97% of participants indicated the video animation explained the condition clearly, and 66% felt comfortable explaining the condition. Feedback suggested showing the animation during the first appointment and creating similar content for surgery preparation. Patient challenges while researching rectal prolapse and rectocele online included difficulty finding content (41.5%), complex language (18.8%) and uncertainty about source reliability (16.9%).

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size with little socioeconomic diversity and highly educated participants.

CONCLUSIONS: Patient-centered resources surrounding specific pelvic floor disorder(s) are not always readily accessible online. This study demonstrated the value of a short video animation to enhance patients' understanding of rectal prolapse and rectocele. See Video.