Video-Assisted Informed Consent for Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate whether adding video assistance to traditional verbal informed consent advisement improved satisfaction among cataract surgery patients. Methods. This trial enrolled 80 Chinese patients with age-related cataracts scheduled to undergo unilateral phacoemulsification surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups: the video group watched video explaining cataract-related consent information and rewatched specific segments of the video at their own discretion, before receiving traditional verbal consent advisement; the control group did not watch the video. Outcomes included patient satisfaction, refusal to consent, time to complete the consent process, and comprehension measured by a ten-item questionnaire. Results. All 80 enrolled patients signed informed consent forms. Compared with the control group, members of the video group exhibited greater satisfaction (65% versus 86%, p = 0.035) and required less time to complete the consent process (12.3 ± 6.7 min versus 5.6 ± 5.4 min, p < 0.001), while also evincing levels of comprehension commensurate with those reported for patients who did not watch the video (accuracy rate, 77.5% versus 80.2%, p = 0.386). Conclusion. The video-assisted informed consent process had a positive impact on patients' cataract surgery experiences. Additional research is needed to optimize patients' comprehension of the video.

A randomized trial of multimedia-facilitated informed consent for cataract surgery

“…Nonetheless, no studies reported that the use of patient’s education videos resulted in a decreased patient’s satisfaction or comprehension. 8 – 11 , 13 This finding suggests that the incorporation of educational videos into the informed consent process can be equally as effective as traditional methods of surgical counseling. In our study, we also found that the amount of time required to complete the consent process for the MIC group was significantly lower than the control group, suggesting that videos can help improve efficiency.…”

“… 13 However, there is some disparity in the literature, as several other studies found significant improvements in comprehension for those receiving video-based information. 8 – 11 Zhang et al, 8 who performed a similar study examining cataract surgery candidates, reported a satisfaction of 86% for those who viewed a video and 65% ( P =0.035) for those who did not. These variable findings may be attributed to external factors such as quality of the video used, educational level of the patient population sampled, and methods for evaluating outcome measures.…”

“…Previous studies have found that videos can increase the retention of knowledge by ~25% 11 and help reduce anxiety, increased preparedness, and improve overall satisfaction. 6 – 8 …”

Access to an online video enhances the consent process, increases knowledge, and decreases anxiety of caregivers with children scheduled for inguinal hernia repair: A randomized controlled study

“…This process is even more delicate in pediatric surgery, when caregivers make decisions for their children. Current research on using multimedia presentations and videos as decision aids for informed primarily focused on adult patients [11][12][13]. Zieren et al used a video before inguinal hernia repair in adult in an effort to shorten the time a surgeon needs to invest into the informed consent discussion [11].…”

A randomized controlled trial comparing video-assisted informed consent with standard consent for Mohs micrographic surgery

“…21,22 In most cases in which videos were used in the consent process, there were improvements in patient satisfaction, 9,11,[13][14][15]20 patient knowledge, or both. 7,8,10,[13][14][15][16][19][20][21]23 Several studies have demonstrated that videos take the same amount of time as standard processes 19 or even save time, 9,12,21 and reduce patient anxiety. 11 Mohs micrographic surgery is a complex multistage procedure, with waiting times in between stages, depending on the extent of the cancer mass before surgical repair of the defect.…”