A major challenge associated with converting paper-based consent to electronic versions is to assure that the level of comprehension offered by the electronic consenting systems is not reduced. A randomized between-subject trial comparing patient comprehension with four different electronic consenting formats of the same consent information presented on an Apple iPad was conducted using a non-clinical sample of 32 participants. The formats were Text-Based, text-based with Text Being Read out, Video-Based and Video-Based with Subtitles. The participants were asked to read and complete a consent form in one of the formats. The participants were subsequently asked to complete a semantic comprehension quiz, the NASA Task Load Index and the computer system usability questionnaire (CSUQ). Upon completing the questionnaires, the participants took part in a retrospective think-aloud session to understand any difficulties they had using the consent forms. Statistically significant differences among the formats were found for task completion time, the mental demand and frustration sub-components of the NASA-TLX, and the comprehension quiz. Video with subtitles to convey consent information appears to be the best format among the formats tested for electronic consent presentation.

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Dr. Anand K. Gramopadhye's research focuses on solving human-machine systems design problems and modeling human performance in technologically complex systems such as health care, aviation and manufacturing. He has more than 200 publications in these areas, and his research has been funded by NIH, NASA, NSF, FAA, DOE and private companies. Currently, he and his students at the Advanced Technology Systems Laboratory are pursuing cutting-edge research on the role of visualization and virtual reality in aviation maintenance, hybrid inspection and job-aiding, technology to support STEM education and, more practically, to address information technology and process design issues related to delivering quality health care. As the Department Chair, he has been involved in the initiation of programmatic initiatives that have resulted in significant growth in the Industrial Engineering Program, situating it in the forefront both nationally and internationally. These include the Online Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering Program, the Endowed Chairs Program in Industrial Engineering, Human Factors and Ergonomics Institute and the Clemson Institute for Supply Chain and Optimization and the Center for Excellence in Quality. For his success, he has been recognized by the NAE through the Frontiers in Engineering Program, and he has received the College's Collaboration Award and the McQueen Quattlebaum Award, which recognizes faculty for their outstanding research. In addition, Dr. Gramopadhye serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics and on the editorial board for several other journals.