Impact of Visual Health Education on Perioperative Outcomes and Medication Adherence in Older Adults Undergoing PKP for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of visual health education (VHE) intervention in the perioperative management of older adults undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). Methods A prospective cohort of 96 patients (aged ≥65 years) scheduled for primary PKP between June 2024 and January 2025 were enrolled. Participants were allocated to a control group (n = 46) receiving conventional verbal education or an intervention group (n = 50) receiving VHE via instructional videos. The VHE program encompassed disease-specific knowledge, surgical procedures, and postoperative rehabilitation. Outcome measures included sleep quality (PSQI), anxiety (SAS), blood pressure stability, patient satisfaction, and anti-osteoporosis medication adherence. Results The VHE group demonstrated significant improvements across all perioperative metrics compared to controls. Preoperative sleep quality was superior (PSQI: 7.85 ± 2.16 vs 15.63 ± 3.62, P < 0.001), anxiety levels were lower (SAS: 30.62 ± 3.48 vs 55.68 ± 3.95, P < 0.001), and patient satisfaction at discharge was higher (100% vs 95.7%, P < 0.001). The intervention group also exhibited better medication adherence at 6-month follow-up (76% vs 28.3%, P < 0.001) and more stable preoperative blood pressure (systolic BP: 152.8 ± 5.9 vs 178.4 ± 7.1 mmHg, P < 0.001). Conclusion Disease-specific visual health education significantly enhances perioperative experiences, improves psychological well-being, stabilizes physiological parameters, and promotes long-term treatment adherence in older OVF patients undergoing PKP. This approach represents a valuable adjunct to standard perioperative care, with the potential to reduce complications and improve overall clinical outcomes.