The effect of informational podcasts on shared decision-making, anxiety, and patient satisfaction in hospital visits: An intervention study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Podcasts provide a platform for delivering patient information. They have the potential to enhance patient engagement in shared decision-making, reduce anxiety in relation to hospital visits, and improve patient satisfaction. However, their impact on these outcomes in the context of hospital visits remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE To examine whether podcasts influence patients’ 1) engagement in shared decision-making, 2) anxiety after the hospital visit, and 3) satisfaction with the hospital visit. METHODS A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent comparison group was employed. The study was conducted in three specialised outpatient clinics at a Danish hospital. Participants were allocated to one of two groups: the intervention group, which received access to informational podcasts in addition to standard written information prior to their hospital visit, and the comparison group, which received only the standard written information. All patients received validated questionnaires to assess shared decision-making (SDM-Q-9), anxiety (STAI-S), and satisfaction after the consultation. RESULTS A total of 240 patients participated. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a 15 % higher level of shared decision-making (SDM-Q-9) scores (adjusted relative difference: 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.02–1.31). Subgroup analyses indicated a statistically significant effect among patients with low health literacy (adjusted relative difference: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05–1.49, p = 0.015). Anxiety scores were 9 % lower (adjusted relative difference: 0.91, 95 % CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.030), and satisfaction with pre-visit information increased by 14 % (adjusted relative difference: 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.25, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Informational podcasts may enhance patients’ preparation for hospital visits by supporting shared decision-making, particularly among individuals with low health literacy. While the overall effect on shared decision-making was not statistically significant after adjustment, subgroup analyses suggest a potential benefit in this vulnerable group. The intervention also showed positive effects in reducing anxiety and improving satisfaction, especially regarding pre-visit information.