EMMI Solutions based in Chicago provides online medical education programs in 16 different specialities for patients on various medical conditions and surgical procedures. Through physician enrollment in the program, they can offer their patients online education which helps them prepare for and recover from medical procedures, manage their expectations, and engages them in quality and safety initiatives. EMMI Solutions helps provide another layer of procedure information beyond what the physician’s office normally does. In Plastic Surgery, programs are currently available for saline breast augmentation, silicone breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty. New programs soon to be available include blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley, Indianapolis plastic surgeon and his practice Eppley Plastic Surgery, has participated in this program both as a practice tool and a medical advisor over the past year. The program enjoys high patient satisfaction with 96% of patients surveyed saying that EMMI improved their understanding of what to expect before their procedure. Over 90% of patients say they were more comfortable about their upcoming procedure after viewing the EMMI program.
In looking at my EMMI practice statistics in 2008 so far, 59 cosmetic surgery patients have been issed access codes to review programs prior to their specific procedure(s). Of these 59 patients, 50 (85%) actually took advantage and started viewing the program. Of those that started the program, 40 (80%) patients actually viewed the programs in their entirety. There was no obvious trend or biass towards any particular procedure that was viewed more or less than others.
I find the EMMI program to be extremely valuable to my practice. While I have lengthy discussions with patients concerning their procedures and expectations and provide a lot of written information prior to their surgery, the selective hearing of some patients and low retention rates of a lot of information means that my patients are often not as informed or educated as I may think. EMMI Solutions provides an additional source of information and reinforcement that patients can view on their own time and leisure. Whether they take advantage of the programs or not, they have been provided with the opportunity which I consider much better than any brochure or pamphlet of information. Plus, EMMI Solutions provides documentation of not only if they viewed the programs but for how long and what specific section(s) were or were not viewed.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana