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Animation helps patients prepare for medical procedures

An animated video, which shows patients how to prepare for a colonoscopy, could reduce failed procedures and improve efficiency, says a leading expert.

bobby heaney creating his animation on screen
Bobby Heaney

Doctor Thomas Archer, a gastroenterology registrar at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, approached Nottingham Trent University for a video to explain what a colonoscopy is and the steps patients should take beforehand in order for the procedure to be successful.

A colonoscopy examines the large bowel using a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end, called a colonoscope.

It is also a common procedure performed as a surveillance test for serious conditions such as cancer.

Complications are rare but the bowel must be clear on the day to allow the endoscopist to examine it thoroughly and avoid missing any abnormalities.

Bobby Heaney, 21, studies Animation at Nottingham Trent University and worked with Dr Archer to create the three minute video which uses animated sequences.

It includes details of foods patients can eat or should avoid and timings of when to take a laxative to clear the bowel to improve its effectiveness.

The endoscopy department at the hospital plans to show the video to patients with an information booklet they receive.

Bobby, from Nazeing in Essex, said: “The aim of the video is to relay key information to patients to help them prepare.

“The booklet has a lot of written information to take in so the video provides another dimension for patients.

“In addition to being informative I think the video is also reassuring for patients who might be feeling worried or nervous ahead of the procedure.”

Andy Love, course leader of BA (Hons) Animation, in the School of Art & Design, said: “This is a brilliant example of how animation can be used to present important information in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.

“The value of this video is clear to see if it can help patients get ready by making them feel comfortable and confident.”

Dr Archer said: “Patients often comment on how the prep is worse than the procedure so improving preparation would lead to a more efficient system of investigation and reduce the discomfort of having to endure repeated tests.

“We are currently designing a study to demonstrate whether using this video would improve the effectiveness of bowel preparation compared to the regular information supplied in the booklet, once completed we plan to introduce the video into standard practice across the East Midlands.”

  • Notes for editors

    Press enquiries please contact Chris Birkle, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2310, or via email.

    Nottingham Trent University was named Modern University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. The award recognises NTU for its strong student satisfaction, quality of teaching, overall student experience and engagement with employers.

    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is one of the largest UK universities with nearly 28,000 students and more than 3,500 staff across four campuses, contributing £496m to the UK economy every year.

    It is one of the most environmentally-friendly universities, containing some of the country’s most inspiring and efficient award-winning buildings.

    The University is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. The University is the sixth biggest recruiter of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the country and 95.6% of its graduates go on to employment or further education within six months of leaving.

    NTU is home to world-class research, winning The Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2015 - the highest national honour for a UK university. The prize recognised pioneering projects to improve the detection of weapons and explosives in luggage, enable safer production of powdered infant formula and combat food fraud.

    With an international student population of approximately 2,600 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook and seeks to attract talented students and staff from across the world.

Published on 24 January 2018
  • Subject area: Art and design
  • Category: Press office; Research; School of Art & Design