Effective patient education in robotic surgery at OLVG

"I'm being operated on by a robot ... but what does the surgeon still do?" We speak with Hanneke Jenje, operations manager of the oncology center at OLVG, about educating patients who are being operated on using the operating robot.

Image: © Robotic Surgery OLVG

Robotic surgery still raises some questions among patients and their loved ones. "What exactly happens during such an operation? And what role does the surgeon play?" For this specific topic, OLVG set out to find a way to prepare patients even better.

Making complex medical information understandable

Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common, including within oncologic surgery. In this type of surgery, the doctor performs the operation using a robot. This technology allows for very precise surgery, allowing for minimally invasive procedures. This leads to faster recovery and fewer postoperative symptoms. Still, it remains difficult for many patients to get a good idea of this.

"Patients recover faster from their surgery and have fewer symptoms," Hanneke said.

The power of animation

To improve that imaging, OLVG developed a Divi with Indiveo: a digital video module that clearly explains what robotic surgery entails, what the benefits are and what patients can expect.

Image: © Hendrik Marsman, gastrointestinal surgeon at OLVG, Amsterdam

The Divi is integrated into the patient portal MijnOLVG. This makes it possible for patients to watch the animation video prior to their consultation, at a time and pace that suits them. This preparation helps: patients come with more focused questions, the consultation becomes more efficient and personal, and there is more room for individual concerns and wishes. The animation is also valuable for relatives, because they can watch at home and remain involved in the process.

"Most importantly, the animation greatly helps the imagination of someone about to undergo surgery with a robot. It gives patients a clearer picture of how such an operation works," says Hanneke. 

More control over the treatment process

Visual education gives patients more control. By combining images and text, complex medical information becomes accessible and understandable. Patients feel better prepared and go into the consultation and surgery with more confidence.

"By framing it this way, you often make the patient just a little more aware of the fact that something is expected of him or her. Then, as a patient, you can also take a little more control, instead of letting it come to you" concludes Hanneke. 

The animation joins the existing communication tools in the hospital and supports conversations with doctors and nurses. Conversations are more focused and effective, paying attention to what is important to the patient.

Image: © Hendrik Marsman, gastrointestinal surgeon at OLVG, Amsterdam

The future of digital patient education

This story shows how digital tools can contribute to understandable and personalized patient education. The combination of visual explanations and clear information increases patient understanding and engagement in the treatment process.

"Just adding images makes it so much more understandable," Hanneke said.

The experiences within OLVG are positive. And the model is more widely applicable than just robotic surgery. By cleverly deploying digital education, it becomes possible to further personalize information and make conversations more effective. In this way, technology and empathy go hand in hand to optimize patient care.