How to create a patient education portal?

Abstract

The creation and operation of patient education portals play a pivotal role in improving patients' awareness and treatment outcomes. Using the example of "urodoki.hu," this paper highlights how an online platform can serve as a reliable, accessible, and advertisement-free source of medical information, bridging the communication gap between healthcare professionals and patients. The content of the website is based on Hungarian urological oncology guidelines, regularly updated, and presented in a patient-friendly language. Significant effort was invested in creating visual aids and videos that not only enhance comprehension but also alleviate patient anxiety.

One of the key initiatives was the campaign focused on the early detection of testicular cancer, targeting younger audiences aged 15-35. Through engaging content, such as self-examination guides, animations, and video interviews, the campaign reached over 900,000 individuals and drew nearly 20,000 unique visitors to the website. Similarly, a bladder cancer awareness campaign emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms like hematuria, particularly in women, where delays in diagnosis are more common. The campaign combined infographics, educational articles, and videos to provide a comprehensive overview of bladder cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Furthermore, the website supports prehabilitation for high-risk urological surgical patients by offering resources on exercise, nutrition, and mental preparation, empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery process. These efforts underline the transformative potential of digital patient education in enhancing health literacy, promoting early disease detection, and fostering patient engagement. By aligning with international best practices and prioritizing patient-centered communication, such platforms can significantly contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.