The SMART-PAH video library was perceived by 13 adults with PAH as a credible, empowering, and convenient tool that improved confidence in self-management and patient-provider communication.
Does a web-based video education platform (SMART-PAH Library) improve perceived knowledge, empowerment, and self-management in adults with isolated Group 1 PAH?
A web-based video education library was perceived by patients with PAH as a feasible, credible, and empowering tool to bridge informational needs and enhance engagement in self-management.
Abstract Rationale Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease that imposes significant physiological and psychosocial burdens. Effective patient education is essential for empowering self-management and improving outcomes. However, access to reliable and digestible information remains limited. Patients frequently rely on variable-quality resources or receive insufficient education due to limitations from brief clinic visits. Although video-assisted learning has been used in other chronic diseases, no study has explored patient perceptions of video education in PAH. To address these barriers, the SMART-PAH Library—a web-based, on-demand educational platform comprising 12 concise, expert-developed videos addressing key aspects of living with PAH and its management was created. This qualitative pilot study aimed to explore patient perceptions of the SMART-PAH Library, to assess its feasibility and perceived impact. Methods 13 adults with isolated Group 1 PAH were recruited from a tertiary PH center. After completing the SMART-PAH Library, participants engaged in semi-structured, one-on-one virtual interviews (∼30 minutes) to explore the perceived efficacy of the videos in improving knowledge, emotional responses evoked by the content, unmet informational needs, and perceived influence of the videos on future behaviors. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis per grounded theory by multiple reviewers until thematic saturation was reached. Results 3 major themes were identified: (1) Impact of Disease, (2) Barriers to Managing Disease, and (3) Facilitators of Disease Management/Education Figure 1. Participants reported significant physical and emotional burdens including medication side effects, anxiety/depression, and functional limitations that impacted work, travel, and social interactions. Barriers to effective disease management included poor communication with providers, lack of discussion on sensitive topics such as sexual health with PAH. Structural barriers such as limited access to expert centers, especially for those in rural areas, and difficulty navigating the financial system were noted. Overall, participants found the SMART-PAH Library to be credible, empowering, and convenient. They valued the ability to rewatch videos, learn from real-life success stories, educate family/friends, and improve patient-provider communication. Many felt more confident in engaging in self-management and learning about topics not typically learned from their providers. Conclusions The SMART-PAH video Library was perceived as a feasible and impactful method for delivering high-quality education for patients with PAH. Video-assisted education may serve as an effective tool to traditional PAH care by bridging informational needs and increasing patient engagement in self-management. Subsequent trials are needed to assess the impact on mental health, emotional wellbeing, medical knowledge and clinical outcomes. This abstract is funded by: Intramural Grant Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Research program committee #3477)
Persaud et al. (Fri,) conducted a other in Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (n=13). SMART-PAH Library (video-assisted education) was evaluated on Patient perceptions of the SMART-PAH Library, assessing feasibility and perceived impact. The SMART-PAH video library was perceived by 13 adults with PAH as a credible, empowering, and convenient tool that improved confidence in self-management and patient-provider communication.