Southampton cardiac charity funds video library for patients preparing for treatment

Southampton-based cardiac charity Heartbeat has renewed its funding for a series of animated videos that help cardiac patients better understand the treatment they will receive before arriving at hospital.

The “Explain My Procedure” video library was designed by medically trained experts and allows patients and their loved ones to revisit the information as often as needed before treatment. They are also available in Polish, helping to make the resources accessible to a wider range of patients.

Available to patients receiving care at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), the videos explain a wide range of cardiac procedures, outlining the risks, benefits and possible alternatives in an easy-to-understand format.

While the videos do not replace personalised medical advice, they are designed to support shared decision-making by giving patients a better understanding of their procedure before discussions with their clinical team.

The impact of the videos has already been felt by patients. Mark Cooper, who watched the animation before receiving a coronary stent, said: "I found the short video very informative and reassuring. It clearly identifies the risks whilst showing me the procedure and, most importantly, the benefits of stents."

Dr James Wilkinson, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at University Hospital Southampton, said: "For many patients, the prospect of a cardiac procedure can be daunting, and it's not always easy to take in everything discussed during a clinic appointment. These animations give patients and their families the opportunity to understand their procedure in their own time, helping them feel better informed and more confident about what to expect. They are an excellent resource that supports the conversations we have with patients and encourages shared decision-making throughout their care."

Mark Ind, Chief Executive Officer of Heartbeat, said: "At Heartbeat, we are incredibly proud to continue funding this series of animated guides, giving cardiac patients clear, accessible information before they arrive in hospital. Having a better understanding of what to expect can make a real difference to how patients feel, helping them approach their procedure with greater confidence and reassurance."

Heartbeat first committed funding to the project in January 2021, supporting the creation of 21 procedure animations over five years. The charity has now renewed its commitment for a further five years, enabling the development of an additional 27 videos. Together, the expanded library covers everything from routine cardiac procedures to highly specialised treatments, ensuring even more patients and families have access to reliable information when they need it most.