The Methodist Hospital offers web-based tool to help patients understand their health care better

The Methodist Hospital is offering a web-based tool to help patients better understand their health care.

The interactive program from Emmi Solutions describes and illustrates upcoming procedures for patients to help educate them on procedures such as cardiac bypass or knee replacement. It also helps patients understand how to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure.

"We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible with the health care they receive at Methodist," said Dr. Michael Reardon, chief of cardiac surgery at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston. "We believe that patients who understand their treatments - and have had the opportunity to ask questions and get answers - are more at ease with their care. That's important to us."

After being diagnosed and scheduled for a procedure, a patient is given an access code to log into the Emmi® program. The series of web-based programs uses audio and visual techniques as well as easy-to-read text to simplify and explain what a patient should expect prior to, during and after a procedure. The program provides the patient with individualized information that explains in depth the procedure and steps taken during the surgery.

Patients can view the programs as many times as they like, in the comfort of their own homes or anywhere with Internet access. Patients can also share the program with family and friends. Most Emmi programs take about 20 minutes to complete, and patients can take notes and write questions to bring to their next appointment with their physician.

"This program does not replace conversations with the physician and the medical team. It is designed to supplement those conversations," Reardon said. "At home, in a comfortable environment, with trusted friends and family around for support, we hope that our patients will find a good environment to better understand their upcoming treatments and feel comfortable coming back to us with any questions we can answer for them."