Pediatric visits can be the most enjoyable part of the day in a busy primary care practice. However, our pediatric patients are often anxious and suspicious of these visits -- fearful of poking, prodding, and the dreaded "shots." All of this anxiety is amplified when children are admitted to the hospital or have to undergo medical procedures. Additionally, our medical jargon is simply too challenging to comprehend.
The certified life specialists at Phoenix Children's Hospital have produced an app for parents to help explain these complex terms in soft language using the teach-back method. The goal was to help enhance comprehension prior to visits, admissions, and procedures via easy-to-understand terms, illustrations, and sounds. Parents can use the app as a teaching tool for their children. The app was designed with MediaKube, LLC, who co-authored Phoenix's previous hit, Car Seat Helper. This more recent app uses a soft language glossary, quality illustrations, and sound clips to enhance comprehension between medical providers, parents, and kids. The app also is easily toggled between English and Spanish.
The Simply Sayin' - Medical Jargon for Families app is based on the teach-back method of patient education. This proven method helps to ensure understanding and retention of medical information. Additionally, the app uses age-appropriate soft language to avoid medical jargon and enhance comprehension.
If you are a provider who treats children, especially in an urgent/emergent/hospital setting, I strongly recommend you download Simply Sayin' and prescribe it to parents in your practice. The app is surprisingly comprehensive, is based on proven techniques, is easy to use, and is customizable for provider and parent alike. Highly recommended.
Likes
- Comprehensive glossary of medical terms and procedures; quality illustrations/sound clips
- Detailed directions for providers and parents
- Available in English/Spanish with a touch of a button
Dislikes
- Font can be a bit small in some parts of the app
- No links to teach-back resources
This post originally appeared on iMedicalApps.com.