Video: Bridging the RPM Education Gap

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has revolutionized healthcare by enabling providers to track patients' health data outside traditional clinical settings.

However, a recent report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on RPM in Medicare highlights a significant challenge: many patients are not receiving adequate education on their RPM devices.

This educational gap can lead to patient confusion, improper device usage, and ultimately, suboptimal health outcomes. To address this, incorporating a diverse array of healthcare video formats into patient education strategies offers a dynamic and effective solution.

The OIG report's findings are concerning:

• Incomplete Service Delivery: A staggering 43% of Medicare beneficiaries using RPM did not receive all three components of the service, including crucial education and device setup.
• Patient Confusion: Without proper guidance, patients may struggle with device operation, leading to inconsistent usage and unreliable data.
• Compromised Health Outcomes: Incorrect or inconsistent data can hinder healthcare providers' ability to make informed decisions, negatively impacting patient care.

Consider Sarah, a 70-year-old patient managing hypertension. Without proper instruction on her RPM device, she misreads her blood pressure readings, leading to unnecessary anxiety and frequent, avoidable hospital visits.

The Power of Video in RPM Education

Video education emerges as a powerful tool to bridge this gap, offering flexibility in format, length, and content to cater to diverse patient needs. By utilizing various video styles—ranging from quick microlearning snippets to comprehensive educational series—healthcare providers can deliver clear, engaging, and accessible information.

Diverse Video Formats

Instructional Videos

Instructional videos are foundational for RPM education, providing step-by-step guidance on device setup, usage, and maintenance. Typically ranging from 3 to 7 minutes, these videos are long enough to cover essential details without overwhelming the viewer.

To capture and retain patients' attention, employing cinematic techniques is crucial. Live demonstrations featuring real people using the devices can enhance relatability. Close-up shots, clear visuals, and straightforward narration help in breaking down complex procedures. For example, using split-screen effects can simultaneously show the device's interface and the patient's actions.

Animation still of a healthcare provider discussing care with a patient, emphasizing the importance of patient education and support.

Animated videos can further simplify complex concepts. Animated graphics illustrating how a device interacts with the body can demystify technology, making it less intimidating for patients. Incorporating interactive elements, such as on-screen prompts or pauses encouraging patients to practice a step before proceeding, can enhance engagement and retention.

Producing high-quality instructional videos typically requires a small to medium-sized crew, including a director, camera operator, sound technician, and possibly an animator or motion graphics designer. At Goodsides, we specialize in assembling agile production teams that deliver professional results efficiently.

These videos should be distributed across multiple platforms for maximum accessibility. Embedding them within the RPM platform ensures they are available at the point of need. Additionally, hosting on patient portals, YouTube (with privacy settings as needed), or providing downloadable links can accommodate patients with varying levels of tech-savviness.

Microlearning Snippets

For patients with limited attention spans or those who prefer concise information, microlearning snippets offer focused content in 1 to 2-minute videos. These bite-sized lessons address specific topics, such as troubleshooting common issues or providing quick health tips.

To make the most of the brief duration, start with a strong hook—a compelling question or a surprising fact—to immediately engage the viewer. Visual aids like bold graphics, text overlays, and quick transitions keep the content dynamic. Background music or sound effects can enhance the viewing experience without distracting from the message.

Given their brevity, these videos can be produced with a minimal crew, often just a videographer and an editor. Goodsides excels in creating impactful micro-content efficiently, ensuring rapid turnaround times.

Microlearning snippets are ideal for distribution via mobile apps, SMS links, or social media platforms, allowing patients to access information on-the-go. Implementing a "Tip of the Day" series can keep patients engaged and continuously learning.

Long-Form Educational Series

When in-depth education is required, such as for chronic disease management, long-form videos ranging from 10 to 15 minutes are appropriate. These comprehensive modules delve into topics like understanding one's condition, lifestyle modifications, and medication management.

To maintain engagement over a longer duration, storytelling becomes key. Incorporate patient narratives, expert interviews, and real-life scenarios to make the content relatable. High-quality production values—crisp visuals, professional lighting, and clear sound—are essential to keep viewers immersed.

Producing these videos involves a larger crew, potentially including multiple camera operators, sound technicians, lighting experts, and set designers. Goodsides brings extensive experience in managing such productions, ensuring that the complexity does not compromise efficiency.

These educational series can be hosted on the RPM platform or a dedicated learning portal, where patients can progress through the modules at their own pace. Offering accompanying materials, like downloadable guides or quizzes, can reinforce learning.

Patient Testimonials and Stories

Sharing patient testimonials and stories adds a human touch to RPM education. Videos of 3 to 5 minutes featuring patients who have successfully managed their health with RPM can inspire and motivate others.

Authenticity is paramount in these videos. Filming in patients' homes or familiar environments, using natural lighting, and encouraging candid conversations help create a genuine connection. Including B-roll footage of patients engaging in daily activities adds depth.

A small crew is sufficient—a director to guide the conversation, a camera operator, and a sound technician. Goodsides is adept at creating a comfortable atmosphere that encourages patients to share their stories openly.

These videos can be shared on the RPM platform, social media channels, within community groups, or turned into serialized videos embedded into emails. Ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and obtaining proper consent is crucial.

Cultural and Language Adaptations

To reach a diverse patient population, videos must be culturally sensitive and available in multiple languages. This might involve translating scripts, using voice-over artists fluent in the target language, or reshooting scenes with actors from different backgrounds.

Cinematic considerations include being mindful of cultural norms in visuals and language. For example, gestures, attire, and settings should be appropriate for the target audience. Goodsides' diverse talent pool and cultural expertise enable us to produce content that resonates authentically with various demographics.

Distributing these adapted videos through community channels, local clinics, or organizations can enhance their accessibility and impact.

A woman demonstrates the use of a continuous glucose monitor, highlighting its role in managing diabetes through remote patient monitoring.

Cinematic Tips to Capture Attention

Regardless of the video format, certain cinematic techniques can enhance engagement:

• High-Quality Visuals: Use professional cameras and lighting to ensure clear and appealing visuals.
• Sound Clarity: Invest in quality microphones and sound editing to provide crisp audio, which is essential for comprehension.
• Visual Storytelling: Incorporate graphics, animations, and on-screen text to emphasize key points.
• Pacing: Maintain a steady pace that aligns with the video's purpose—slower for complex explanations, faster for quick tips.
• Emotion and Empathy: Use music and storytelling elements to evoke emotions, making the content more memorable.

Crew Size Considerations

• Small Crews: Ideal for microlearning snippets and testimonials. Consist of a director/videographer and an editor.
• Medium Crews: Suitable for instructional videos requiring multiple setups or locations. Include additional camera operators and a sound technician.
• Large Crews: Necessary for long-form series with complex production needs. Comprise directors, cinematographers, lighting and sound teams, set designers, and production assistants.

Goodsides tailors the crew size to the project's scope, optimizing resources without compromising quality.

Publishing and Distribution Strategies

Effective distribution ensures that the right content reaches the right audience:

• RPM Platforms and Patient Portals: Centralize educational content where patients access their health data.
• Mobile Apps: Utilize app notifications to prompt patients to view new videos.
• Email Campaigns: Send personalized video links during key points in the patient's care journey.
• Social Media: Share publicly appropriate content to reach a broader audience and promote community engagement.
• Community Outreach: Collaborate with local organizations to distribute culturally adapted videos.

Goodsides offers expertise in developing distribution strategies that maximize reach and engagement.

Expanding the Horizons of Video in RPM

By integrating these diverse video formats, healthcare providers can enhance the RPM experience beyond basic instruction.

Personalized Patient Journeys

Creating content tailored to individual patients enhances relevance:

• Data-Driven Content: Use patient data to deliver videos addressing specific concerns or usage patterns.
• Adaptive Learning: Implement platforms that adjust content complexity based on patient feedback or performance.

Behavioral Support and Motivation

Videos can be designed to encourage positive health behaviors:

• Gamification: Incorporate challenges or milestones that reward patients for engagement.
• Community Building: Facilitate forums or group discussions following video content to foster support networks.

Caregiver and Family Involvement

Including caregivers amplifies support:

• Family-Centric Videos: Address how family members can assist in device management and patient support.
• Multigenerational Content: Produce videos that appeal to both patients and younger family members who may assist with technology.

Enhancing Provider-Patient Relationships

Strengthening connections through video:

• Provider Messages: Personalized video messages from healthcare providers can improve trust and rapport.
• Virtual Consultations: Use video to simulate face-to-face interactions, enhancing the remote care experience.

Goodsides' Expertise in Video Production

At Goodsides, we bring unparalleled value and expertise to healthcare video production:

• Customized Solutions: We collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop tailored content strategies.
• Diverse Talent and Crew: Our extensive network includes professionals from various demographics, ensuring representation and cultural sensitivity.
• Efficient Production Processes: From scripting to post-production, we streamline workflows to deliver high-quality content promptly.
• Cinematic Excellence: Our focus on storytelling and visual appeal ensures that videos are not only informative but also engaging and memorable.
• Strategic Distribution: We advise on the most effective channels to reach your target audience, maximizing the impact of your content.

For example, when working with a healthcare provider serving a predominantly Hispanic community, Goodsides produced a series of instructional videos in Spanish. By featuring local actors and culturally relevant scenarios, the videos achieved high engagement rates and significantly improved patient adherence to RPM protocols.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating Video into RPM

1. Identify Educational Needs. Begin by assessing your patient population to pinpoint where video education can make the most impact. Analyze common questions, device usage patterns, and areas where patients struggle.
2. Develop High-Quality Content. Collaborate with a professional video production company like Goodsides to create content that is both informative and engaging. Focus on clarity, visual appeal, and relevance.
3. Utilize Diverse Formats and Techniques. Incorporate a mix of video formats—instructional, microlearning, long-form, testimonials—to cater to different learning styles. Apply cinematic techniques to enhance engagement and retention.
4. Plan for Production. Determine the appropriate crew size based on the complexity of each video. Goodsides can advise on efficient crew configurations to optimize production quality and cost.
5. Integrate Videos into Your Platform. Ensure that videos are easily accessible within your RPM platform or patient portal. Consider app integration and compatibility with various devices to enhance accessibility.
6. Strategize Distribution. Develop a distribution plan that includes multiple channels—email, social media, community outreach—to reach patients where they are most receptive.
7. Promote Engagement. Encourage patients to watch videos through prompts during onboarding, reminders, and incentives. Track engagement metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.‍
8. Gather Feedback and Iterate. Solicit patient feedback on video content and effectiveness. Use this data to refine your educational materials continuously.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients, Transforming RPM

The OIG report underscores the essential role of patient education in the success of RPM programs. By leveraging a diverse array of video formats and applying cinematic techniques, healthcare providers can create compelling educational content that bridges the current gap.

Video is not just an educational tool; it's a versatile medium that can adapt to various needs, preferences, and cultures. By harnessing its full potential, we can transform RPM into a truly patient-centric model of care—where patients are informed, empowered, and actively involved in their health journey.

About Goodsides

At Goodsides, we are committed to revolutionizing healthcare communication through the power of video. Our services include:

• Strategic Consultation: We work with you to develop a comprehensive video strategy aligned with your objectives.
• Creative Development: Our team crafts compelling narratives and engaging content tailored to your audience.
• Production Excellence: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, we produce high-quality videos efficiently.
• Diverse Talent Pool: We ensure representation and cultural relevance by featuring talent that reflects your patient demographics.
• Multi-Platform Distribution: We assist in deploying your content across the most effective channels to maximize reach and engagement.

Partner with Goodsides to unlock the full potential of video in your RPM program. Together, we can empower patients, enhance engagement, and achieve better health outcomes through innovative and impactful video education.

Let's work together to revolutionize RPM education. By integrating diverse and dynamic video content, we can empower patients, enhance engagement, and improve health outcomes through the power of visual storytelling.