New study shows patient education videos from Understand.com improve understanding, reduce anxiety, and support better outcomes.
A recent study by Washington University in Saint Louis is bringing clarity to issues surrounding pre-operative education and pointing to a solution that’s both effective and simple: pre-operative video education.
Conducted by a team of plastic surgeons and researchers, the study set out with two clear goals: first, to examine how a patient’s health literacy affects their satisfaction with pre-operative education, and second, to evaluate whether surgical education videos (produced by Understand.com) could improve understanding and reduce anxiety ahead of surgery.
Health Literacy: An Underrated Variable in Patient Satisfaction
The Washington University study revealed how much health literacy influences patient education and satisfaction. Using a validated metric called the HLS-EU-Q47, researchers surveyed 39 patients who had previously undergone surgery. Among participants, the mean health literacy score was 66.3%, and the mean satisfaction with pre-op education was 78.3% These results demonstrate a strong, positive correlation between health literacy and satisfaction with pre-operative education (R = .74, p < 0.0000001).
In other words, patients with higher health literacy were significantly more satisfied with their pre-op education. This presents a challenge for any practice as health literacy can vary widely, particularly across socioeconomic backgrounds.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 9 out of 10 adults lack the skills needed to manage their health effectively. This gap can lead to misunderstandings about surgical risks, poor post-op compliance, and an overall drop in patient satisfaction and outcomes.
A Simple, Scalable Solution: Pre-Op Videos
To address this gap, the second part of the study explored whether video education could enhance patient understanding. Patients undergoing elective cosmetic procedures (including abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, and lower face lift) were shown procedure-specific videos created by Understand.com after their initial consultation with the surgeon.
Understand.com’s videos are comprehensive, approved by a medical advisory board, and endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, making them a reliable resource for pre-operative education. Each video covers the key aspects of a procedure, including preparation, surgical steps, and recovery expectations.
The results were compelling: The WashU study found the following after participants watched procedure-specific videos:
- 100% of patients reported better understanding of their procedure.
- 50% reported reduced anxiety ahead of surgery.
- All patients said they would recommend the video to others.
Even among this group, which had relatively high average health literacy (94.3%), the videos led to significant gains in comprehension and confidence.
Why It Matters for Your Patients and Your Practice
The implications of this study are broad and meaningful. Videos can serve as a scalable, consistent extension of your pre-op consult, reinforcing what you’ve already explained and giving patients a resource they can revisit at home.
That’s especially powerful considering what other research tells us: patients forget 40–80% of medical information presented during office visits, according to the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. When anxiety is high, like before elective surgery, that number may be even higher.
By providing patients with comprehensive reference material that they can rewatch on their own time, you’re not just educating them, you’re empowering them.
Here’s the best part: video education doesn’t require additional clinical time. Once integrated, the animations run in the background of your practice, freeing up your team while improving the patient experience.
Understand.com: A Trusted Partner in Patient Education
Understand.com has been at the forefront of patient video education for over 20 years. Their extensive library of plastic surgery videos includes 48 topics ranging from abdominoplasty to liposuction. Each animation is developed in collaboration with board-certified physicians and medical animators and reviewed by leading medical societies to ensure accuracy and clarity.
The videos are designed to be embedded directly into your website or accessed via QR code in your office, making integration and patient access seamless.
As this recent study demonstrates, it’s not just about offering education, it’s about making sure it sticks. When patients understand what to expect, they’re more likely to follow instructions, feel confident in their decisions, and stay loyal to your practice.
Final Takeaway: Small Change, Big Impact
If you’ve ever wondered whether a short, simple video could make a real difference in your patients’ experience, the answer is yes. Patients of all literacy levels benefit from having a visual, repeatable explanation of their procedure, something that doesn’t rely on their ability to recall every detail from a single office visit.
By incorporating video education into your workflow with Understand.com, you’re giving patients more than just information; you’re giving them clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Understand.com animations are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and AHPRA-approved versions are available with an Australian accent.
