OBJECTIVES: When assessing patient preferences, it is necessary to ensure that patients are informed prior to completing a preference study as this supports the validity of the findings. Most often researchers inform patients through the use of text-based information which may be supported with simple graphics. However, video-based information may be more accessible to the general patient population where health literacy may be an issue. This study aimed to assess 1) the impact that educating patients using video-based educational materials with a voiceover has on patient preferences compared to traditional text, and 2) whether this impact is consistent between two countries.

METHODS: A video-based educational tool was developed using a structured approach in order to inform patients prior to completing a discrete choice experiment assessing their preferences for glucose monitors. Patients from two countries (the Netherlands and Poland) were recruited through an online research panel. Respondents were randomized to receive information using either text with simple graphics or a video with animations and a voiceover. Data was analyzed using a mixed-logit model.

RESULTS: N=981 completed surveys were analyzed from the Netherlands (n=459) and Poland (n=522). Differences in preferences were found between the countries, but no pattern of differences were found between the two types of educational materials. Patients spent less time in the educational material than would be necessary to fully view the information.

CONCLUSIONS: Simply providing educational material in a video with animations and voiceovers does not necessarily lead to better informed respondents or different preference outcomes in the general diabetes population when compared to the traditional text format. Future research should look at ways to increase engagement with educational materials where a need for information has been identified.