Virtual Teaching Modules - the Future of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Patient Education.

Background and RationaleStandardization of patient care ensures a culture of safety. Education methods including teach back, repetition, and multimedia are most effective in information retention. The BMT patient population is extremely immunocompromised and at risk for many post-transplant complications. Lifestyle modification and patient adherence to precautions affects overall outcomes and mortality. Education for this population is extremely vigorous. BMT staff spend hours in education sessions, which can often be overwhelming, leading to poor information retention. The goal was to create virtual education modules for independent patient access, and be able to assess knowledge gaps by utilizing post education quizzes to increase patient's overall understanding and education adherence.InterventionTask force assembled including BMT coordinators, APPs, leadership, patient education committee, and MCIT. Content was reviewed for accuracy and literacy. Script was written and recorded by staff members. This content with voice over was converted into MyChart Care Companion educational modules with the assistance of MCIT. The modules are assigned to patients by APPs through Epic based on where they are in the pre-transplant workup process and patient ability to receive information. After completion, patients complete a quiz to assess learning needs.EvaluationWe worked with MCIT to pull data on tasks assigned and completion for all English-speaking (77.8% of total, n=70) patients from go-live, 3/15/23 through 10/4/23. Of note, 5 MyChart accounts were not activated. Patient characteristics noted in Table 1. Sixty one modules were assigned during this time with 39 patients completing modules, 63.9%. A limitation was noted in the tracking of MyChart tasks, which required an additional step from the patient following completion and an additional data query was submitted to determine length of time each patient spent on each module.DiscussionPatients are provided with an extensive education booklet; which acts as a resource and useful tool throughout transplant. APPs also review a detailed educational PowerPoint prior to admission. This is a comprehensive tool that covers pre, peri, and post-transplant details. Converting this content into four shorter virtual teaching modules, has saved time during appointments and allows patients to access and review the information at their own pace. This makes information easier to digest and retain. The post education quiz identifies knowledge gaps and demonstrates competency. Changes were made to the patient survey to assess patient feedback. We hope to expand modules to multiple languages, especially given our diverse patient population. Additional work to increase MyChart activation, reinforce module completion and quiz requirement prior to admission to demonstrate patient comprehension is underway.