Effects of video-based, online education on behavioral and knowledge outcomes in sunscreen use: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To compare online video and pamphlet education at improving patient comprehension and adherence to sunscreen use, and to assess patient satisfaction with the two educational approaches. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, 94 participants received either online, video-based education or pamphlet-based education that described the importance and proper use of sunscreen. Sun protective knowledge and sunscreen application behaviors were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after group-specific intervention. RESULTS Participants in both groups had similar levels of baseline sunscreen knowledge. Post-study analysis revealed significantly greater improvement in the knowledge scores from video group members compared to the pamphlet group (p=0.003). More importantly, video group participants reported greater sunscreen adherence (p<0.001). Finally, the video group rated their education vehicle more useful and appealing than the pamphlet group (p<0.001), and video group participants referred to the video more frequently (p=0.018). CONCLUSION Video-based learning is a more effective educational tool for teaching sun protective knowledge and encouraging sunscreen use than written materials. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS More effective patient educational methods to encourage sun protection activities, such as regular sunscreen use, have the potential to increase awareness and foster positive, preventative health behaviors against skin cancers.

[1]  C. McDonald.  American Cancer Society perspective on the American College of Preventive Medicine's policy statements on skin cancer prevention and screening , 1998, CA: a cancer journal for clinicians.

[2]  B. Meiser,et al.  Skin cancer-related prevention and screening behaviors: a review of the literature , 2009, Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

[3]  E. Coups,et al.  Exposure to mass media health information, skin cancer beliefs, and sun protection behaviors in a United States probability sample. , 2009, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

[4]  L. Sharp,et al.  Skin Cancer Prevention in the Primary Care Setting: Assessment Using a Standardized Patient , 2007, Pediatric dermatology.

[5]  A. Miller,et al.  An international evaluation of the cancer–preventive potential of sunscreens , 2000, International journal of cancer.

[6]  A. Chesson,et al.  Comparing the Effectiveness of Video and Written Material for Improving Knowledge Among Sleep Disorders Clinic Patients With Limited Literacy Skills* , 2000, Southern medical journal.

[7]  G. Parcel,et al.  Effects of a Preschool Staff Intervention on Children's Sun Protection: Outcomes of Sun Protection Is Fun! , 2007, Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education.

[8]  R. Fölster‐Holst,et al.  Direkte versus videovermittelte Elternschulung bei atopischem Ekzem im Kindesalter als Ergänzung fachärztlicher Behandlung Eine kontrollierte Pilotstudie , 2000, Der Hautarzt.

[9]  S. Keeney,et al.  Attitudes, knowledge and behaviours with regard to skin cancer: a literature review. , 2009, European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society.

[10]  A. Armstrong,et al.  Online, video-based patient education improves melanoma awareness: a randomized controlled trial. , 2009, Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association.

[11]  G. Parcel,et al.  An intervention for parents to promote preschool children's sun protection: effects of Sun Protection is Fun! , 2005, Preventive medicine.

[12]  K. Glanz,et al.  A Multi-Method Process Evaluation for a Skin Cancer Prevention Diffusion Trial , 2009, Evaluation & the health professions.

[13]  Gary L. Kreps,et al.  Trust and sources of health information: the impact of the Internet and its implications for health care providers: findings from the first Health Information National Trends Survey. , 2005, Archives of internal medicine.

[14]  I. Lange,et al.  [Direct versus video-aided parent education in atopic eczema in childhood as a supplement to specialty physician treatment. A controlled pilot study]. , 2000, Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete.

[15]  D. Altman,et al.  Melanoma and skin cancer: evaluation of a health education programme for secondary schools , 1993, The British journal of dermatology.

[16]  P. Pasquini,et al.  Skin Cancer Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors among Patients with a Recent History of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma , 2008, Dermatology.

[17]  P. Baade,et al.  Primary prevention of skin cancer: a review of sun protection in Australia and internationally. , 2004, Health promotion international.

[18]  M. Falk,et al.  Prevention of skin cancer in primary healthcare: An evaluation of three different prevention effort levels and the applicability of a phototest , 2008, The European journal of general practice.

[19]  S. Orlow,et al.  Planning for a brighter future: a review of sun protection and barriers to behavioral change in children and adolescents. , 2008, Dermatology online journal.

[20]  J. Hornaday,et al.  Cancer Facts & Figures 2004 , 2004 .

[21]  Richard E. Mayer,et al.  Multimedia aids to problem-solving transfer , 1999 .

[22]  M E Gagliano,et al.  A literature review on the efficacy of video in patient education. , 1988, Journal of medical education.

[23]  R. Marks,et al.  Reduction of solar keratoses by regular sunscreen use. , 1993, The New England journal of medicine.

[24]  F. Urbach,et al.  UV Doses of Young Adults ¶ , 2003, Photochemistry and photobiology.

[25]  P. Yeung,et al.  Comparison of text versus video for teaching laparoscopic knot tying in the novice surgeon: a randomized, controlled trial. , 2009, Journal of minimally invasive gynecology.

[26]  Linda Little,et al.  E-health , 2008, BCS HCI.