3151 Effectiveness of a brief video-based intervention on the intention to book future vision and hearing assessments

Abstract Introduction Hearing and vision impairment are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. There is limited public understanding that modifying these risk factors can reduce the risk of dementia. In previous studies 36% of older adults have not had a vision assessment and hearing aids are thought to be underused. This study aimed to increase the understanding of patients attending a memory service of the link between cognition, vision and hearing impairment and encourage participants to have future eye and hearing assessments. Method A video was developed with patient and public involvement explaining the link between eyesight, hearing and cognitive impairment and the importance of regular vision and hearing assessments (https://vimeo.com/948705659 Password EMSAMS). All patients attending a memory clinic between 16/09/24 and 05/11/24 were asked to watch this short animated video. A questionnaire was performed after the video asking about previous hearing and vision assessments and whether it was more likely for participants to book a hearing or vision assessment after the video. Results 18 patients participated. 72% had a vision assessment in the past 2 years and 94% recalled at least 1 vision assessment. 66% of participants felt that this video made it more likely they would book a vision assessment in future. 33% of participants had a hearing assessment in the last 2 years. 44% felt that this video would make it more likely that they would book a hearing assessment in future. Free text comments about the video stated that the link between hearing, eyesight and memory was interesting and that the video was easy to understand. Conclusions This study shows that a video shown to patients at memory clinic explaining the link between hearing and vision impairment, and cognitive impairment and dementia can motivate patients to book future hearing and vision assessments.