Sample informational medical script created for patient videos. Created using an online onboarding platform.
Preparing for Cervical Spine Surgery, Teen
Script number
OT126
Estimated Time
3 minutes and 45 seconds
Introduction
Segment: OT126-1
Voiceover
There is a lot to think about before your surgery. The more you know the better. This video can help. It will go over many of the things you need to do before your surgery. That way you can feel ready as your surgery nears.
On-screen description
Stock photo or video montage
Teen looking at a calendar.
Preparing your home
Segment: OT 126-2
Voiceover
Before you go to the hospital, you will want to prepare your home. This can make it easier for you as you recover. It is also a good idea to have someone around who can help you prepare.
Make sure things are in easy to reach areas. Have a spot for your phone near your bed or chair. Put pots or cooking utensils up on counters or higher shelves. This will make sure you do not have to bend to get to them. The same is true of shoes, clothes, and toiletries.
You should also consider your main space. You will want to stay on one floor. If you have things you need on multiple floors, you should think about moving them. You should also move any throw rugs. If you cannot remove something, be sure it is secure. This will help you get around safely.
On-screen description
B-Roll
Teen talking with a family member, making a plan as to what help will be needed.
Teen moving around things in the kitchen and bathroom, making sure everything is at a reachable height.
Teen pulling up a throw rug and putting it in a closet.
Equipment
Segment: OT126-3
Voiceover
Someone may fit you for a neck collar or brace before your surgery. You will use this as part of your recovery. Your health care team may also recommend other medical equipment that can help you, such as a walker to help you get around.
Bathroom equipment may include an elevated commode or toilet seat extender, a tub seat, or bench or chair to use in the bathtub or shower. You may also use a long-handled reacher so you can keep your body stable while reaching for things. Insurance can vary on what it covers. Your health care team can help you check for coverage.
On-screen description
On-screen text
Actual text
Walker
Toilet extender
Tub seat
Long-handled reacher
Graphic build
Similar to adult version: On blue background, images of a walker, tub seat, long handled reacher and toilet extender with callouts.
Stock photo or video montage
Teen wearing a neck brace.
Transportation
Segment: OT126-4
Voiceover
You will need a friend or family member to drive you home. You can go home by car, reclining in the front seat. You will not be able to drive yourself. You will also not be able to drive once you are home. Your brace will not allow for side vision. This makes it unsafe for you to drive. In fact, in many states, driving with a brace is illegal. Your doctor will tell you when you can drive again.
On-screen description
B-Roll
Teen leaving hospital, being picked up by a family member.
Medications
Segment: OT126-5
Voiceover
Before your surgery, tell your doctor about any medicines that you are taking. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking some medicines before your surgery.
Do not smoke. This is good advice at any time, but it is even more important before and after a surgery. Smoking can delay bone healing. It can also cause your surgery to fail. Stop as early as you can. If you need help quitting, ask your health care team.
On-screen description
Stock photo or video montage
Teen talking with MD.
Existing b-roll of cigarettes being thrown in trash.
Office visits before your surgery
Segment: OT126-6
Voiceover
Your health care team will call you to set up appointments you need before your surgery. You will have a physical exam and blood and urine tests. If you have other health issues, you may need additional tests. This will all happen within a month before your surgery.
You will also need to meet with an anesthesiologist. This will be to go over what they will use for your surgery. Be sure to tell them if you have any allergies. Also tell them if you or anyone in your family has had any issues with anesthesia in the past.
On-screen description
B-Roll
MD doing a physical exam on teen.
Teen having blood taken.
Teen talking with anesthesiologist.
Day of your surgery
Segment: OT126-7
Voiceover
You will not be able to eat or drink before your surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you will need to stop.
If you wear rings or other jewelry, take them off and leave them at home. Your fingers may swell making them hard to get off later.
On-screen description
B-Roll
Teen at home. They are eating dinner. They check the time and stop eating.
Teen removing rings and other jewelry.
What to bring with you
Segment: OT126-8
Voiceover
You will be in the hospital for the start of your recovery. To make it more comfortable, you can bring some things with you such as toiletries and clothes. Bring comfy clothes as you will be wearing them to recover. Focus on underwear, loose pajamas, and nightgowns. You could also bring a short robe that is not floor length. You can bring your own shoes for comfort. Bring slippers or soft, low-heeled shoes with closed backs. Sneakers, walking shoes, or loafers can all work.
Leave your valuables at home. You do not want to lose anything. They will be safer at home.
If you have equipment you plan to use at your home, you may also want to use it at the hospital. Walkers and long-handled reachers are examples. Someone can bring them to the hospital for you if you want to use them so you can get familiar with them. If you do, be sure to label them with your name. That will help keep them from getting lost.
On-screen description
On-screen text
Actual text
Things to bring to the hospital
Do not bring
Conclusion/summary
Segment: OT126-9
Voiceover
Getting ready for surgery takes a lot. You need to make sure you are prepared. But you have help. If you have a question, ask your health care team. They can help you follow the plan and be ready for everything.
On-screen description
B-Roll
Teen and parent talking with MD, looking confident, checking to-do list.
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