Document Type

DNP Project

Department

School of Nursing

Date of Degree

Spring 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Primary Advisor

Laurie Posey, Ed.D

Keywords

Patient education; Ambulatory surgery center; Video education

Abstract

Background: In a small ambulatory surgery center, the traditional verbal method of crutch teaching lacked standardization and did not optimize patient learning. Evidence showed that the use of videos could help to improve learning for patients with diverse learning styles.

Aim/Objectives: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate video-enhanced education in crutch teaching.

Methods: Video-enhanced crutch teaching was implemented with same-day surgery patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Using a quasi-experimental, pre-post test and control group design, one group received the traditional teaching method, and the other received video-enhanced crutch teaching. Pre and post-surveys were used to assess patients’ perceived knowledge and confidence with crutch use and satisfaction with the teaching method. Survey items included a modified version of the Health Confidence Score (MHCS). Nurses’ satisfaction and intent for future use of this teaching method were also evaluated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were completed through the use of paired and independent t-tests, Mann Whitney U test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics showed no significant differences in knowledge and confidence between groups. Comparison of intervention group pre- and post-teaching MHCS scores revealed a significant positive impact on crutch-use confidence (p=0.004). Among the intervention group, there were improvements in patients’ perceived knowledge (p= 0.007) and confidence (p= 0.006). There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores between groups. Nursing staff indicated satisfaction and intent for future use of the intervention.

Conclusion: Video-enhanced crutch teaching can improve patients’ knowledge and confidence with crutch use. Video-enhanced teaching is a beneficial method of patient education. Future research with larger sample sizes, in diverse settings and with other patient education that requires motor skills is recommended.

Open Access

1

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.