Treating whiplash with an educational video

As part of our ongoing fascination with whiplash injury, here is a report on the value derived when victims watched a brief video as part of their initial care in the emergency room or urgent care center.

All 126 patients were given usual care at these facilities. In addition, some were randomly assigned to watch a 12-minute educational video on the topic.

At 1, 3, and 6 months later, those who watched the video reported significantly less pain. In addition, 4% of patients who had watched the video were using narcotics at 6 months compared with 36% of those who had not watched the video during their initial treatment.

It’s just one study, but it seems like a good use of the time spent in the emergency room.

7/21/06 15:55 JR