PODCASTS are emerging as an innovative solution for patient education, according to an abstract presented at the International Stroke Conference held in Los Angeles, California, USA. Traditional methods, such as written handouts, often fail to meet the diverse needs of patients, especially those with limited literacy or busy lifestyles. Podcasts, however, offer a flexible, engaging, and easily accessible platform that ensures stroke survivors and their caregivers have continuous access to critical health information.
The study, conducted by Rosa Hart et al., from Norton Neuroscience Institute, Louisville, Kentucky, tested the hypothesis that podcasts could improve patient education by offering repeated exposure to essential health concepts. This approach caters to patients’ varying learning preferences, particularly those who struggle to retain complex medical information during brief consultations. The study found that podcasts significantly enhance knowledge retention, even when listeners engage in other tasks, a finding supported by EEG studies showing increased listener engagement.
The study team developed a podcast series, with episodes focused on frequently asked questions from stroke survivors and their caregivers. These episodes were designed by a multidisciplinary stroke team and featured expert interviews and personal stories from stroke survivors. To improve accessibility, show notes included links to printable materials and directories for specialized care.
The global demand for such resources was evident, with the podcast regularly reaching listeners in 56 countries, including all 50 U.S. states. Episodes consistently achieved over 300 downloads or video views within the first week of release, demonstrating the growing popularity of this educational format.
This success suggests that podcasts can serve as a valuable tool in stroke patient education. Neurology providers are encouraged to integrate podcasts into their patient education strategies to enhance retention, support ongoing learning, and contribute to better health outcomes. Future research should focus on creating specialized neurological podcasts tailored to community needs, further aiding patients in understanding and managing their conditions.
Reference: Hart et al. Exploring the Role of Podcasts in Stroke Recovery and Prevention. Stroke. 2025;56:(Suppl 1).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
