Background

The existing Hi-Chart VOD system for postoperative patient education primarily relies on a passive, one-way approach to information delivery. This approach has limitations in addressing patients' individual questions in real time. In addition, repetitive phone inquiries regarding simple questions after discharge may increase the nursing workload.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a customized patient education module based on surgical type using Google Sheets and AppSheet, a no-code development platform. By integrating the existing VOD education system with a Q&A search function, we sought to establish an active, interactive patient education system and improve nursing workflow efficiency.

Methods

1. Automated Distribution of Customized Education Modules: Nurses selected each patient's surgical procedure (e.g., valve surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting), and the system was designed to automatically generate and distribute a customized VOD education module containing only the information relevant to the selected procedure.

2. Development of a Smart Q&A Search Tool: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) from patients after discharge, standardized nursing responses, and visual educational materials (images and explanatory videos) were organized in a Google Sheets database and integrated with AppSheet.

3. Improved Accessibility: QR codes linking directly to the application were placed at patients' bedsides and included in discharge instruction materials. Patients could immediately access standardized answers by entering keywords such as "shower," "questions," or "medication" into the search bar.

Results & Conclusion

The transition from a conventional one-way approach, in which educational videos were simply presented to patients, to an interactive platform that enabled patients to independently search for and access the information they needed improved patient self-care adherence and satisfaction with education. In addition, the platform substantially reduced repetitive and simple phone inquiries after discharge, thereby decreasing nurses' workload and allowing them to focus more on direct clinical care.

TBA