Understanding Pancreatic Diseases Using Animated Pancreas Patient: Informing Patients for Better Health Outcomes With Visual Formats of Learning

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Animated Pancreas Patient (APP) educational modules (APP website and YouTube) on pancreas education, awareness, and health outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of APP metrics data from September 2013 to October 2017. We evaluated audience reach (number of visit sessions, unique visitors, page views) and calculated top views by media type (animation, expert video, patient video, and slide show) and top retention videos from the modules. We also assessed the educational impact through learner feedback survey. RESULTS: The APP had 1,475,252 views (547,693 unique visitors, 63.1% in United States) during the study period. Most popular topic viewed among the animations was “Role and Anatomy of the Pancreas” (n = 361,116), and most common expert video viewed was “Chronic Pancreatitis: What Foods and Beverages Should I Avoid?” (n = 31,667). Participants who completed the online feedback survey reported knowledge gains and commitments to change. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreas education in visual formats of learning provided by APP demonstrated wide reach and has substantial potential to inform and impact behaviors of patients and caregivers. Continued efforts should be made to provide patient resources that address health literacy and patient education and respond to patient needs for better quality of life and improved health outcomes in pancreatic diseases.