Health care providers' use of patient education materials for chronic pancreatitis patients

Background. The purpose of this exploratory study is to identify communication channels currently used and preferred channels of delivery for patient education delivery by health care providers to chronic pancreatitis patients. Methods. A survey developed specifically for this study was administered to health care providers at a Digestive Disease Center. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Cohen's kappa, and Fisher's exact. Results. Face-to face-interaction was the most commonly current channel used for delivery. Health care providers preferred to use written materials, video, and referrals to a website to new delivery channels. Finally, nurses preferred other health care providers as channels for the delivery of patient education materials. Conclusions. Patient education is important for the management of chronic pancreatitis. This study concludes health care providers' preference in developing new channels in delivering these materials.