James A Stewart1, Lauren Wood2, Jameson Wiener1, Gregory D Kennedy2, Daniel I Chu2, Jeffrey R Lancaster3, Melanie S Morris4. 1. School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. 2. Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. 3. School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. 4. Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: msmorris@uabmc.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informed consent forms consist of large blocks of written information that may be difficult for patients to understand. Visual teaching aids are promising, however, they have not been studied as a pre-operative educational tool for common surgical procedures. We pilot tested the use of a visual teaching aid during the informed consent process for a colectomy. METHODS: A randomized pilot study was performed. Participants were randomized into the visual teaching aid group or standard care. Following the consent process, participants were questioned about potential surgical complications, anxiety, satisfaction, and understanding. RESULTS: 30 participants were enrolled. Potential complication recall and patient-reported understanding were improved in the visual group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03). Anxiety levels were reduced in the visual group (p = 0.02). No statistically significant data were found for satisfaction (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing a visual teaching aid during the consent process for colectomy increases patient recall of risks, reduces anxiety, and improves understanding. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BACKGROUND: Informed consent forms consist of large blocks of written information that may be difficult for patients to understand. Visual teaching aids are promising, however, they have not been studied as a pre-operative educational tool for common surgical procedures. We pilot tested the use of a visual teaching aid during the informed consent process for a colectomy. METHODS: A randomized pilot study was performed. Participants were randomized into the visual teaching aid group or standard care. Following the consent process, participants were questioned about potential surgical complications, anxiety, satisfaction, and understanding. RESULTS: 30 participants were enrolled. Potential complication recall and patient-reported understanding were improved in the visual group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03). Anxiety levels were reduced in the visual group (p = 0.02). No statistically significant data were found for satisfaction (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing a visual teaching aid during the consent process for colectomy increases patient recall of risks, reduces anxiety, and improves understanding. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Entities:
Keywords:
Colectomy; Colorectal surgery; Health literacy; Patient education; Visual aid
Authors: Ellaha Kakar; Oddeke van Ruler; Bram van Straten; Bas Hoogteijling; Eelco J R de Graaf; Erwin Ista; Johan F Lange; Johannes Jeekel; Markus Klimek Journal: Colorectal Dis Date: 2022-04-06 Impact factor: 3.917
Authors: Isabel C Dos Santos Marques; Ivan I Herbey; Lauren M Theiss; Connie C Shao; Mona N Fouad; Isabel C Scarinci; Daniel I Chu Journal: Am J Surg Date: 2021-06-09 Impact factor: 2.565