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

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the value and role of patient’s education videos in the informed consent process for patients undergoing preoperative assessment of cataracts.DesignThe study is a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial.Subjects, participants, and/or controlsParticipants enrolled in this study were specifically those undergoing first-time phacoemulsification cataract surgery with the placement of a monofocal lens implant.Participants and methodsSubjects were randomized to either face-to-face surgeon-informed consent with a preceding education video or face-to-face surgeon-informed consent alone.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measures assessed were time to complete the informed consent process, patient’s satisfaction, and patient’s comprehension.ResultsThe video and control groups were similar in satisfaction (4.67±0.104 video vs. 4.53±0.133 control; P=0.43) and comprehension (79.4%±2.82% video vs. 79.3%±3.39% control; P=0.99). Counseling time was statistically significantly different (117.5±10.9 seconds video versus 241.6±13.0 seconds control; P<0.0001).ConclusionUse of a patient’s education video for cataract surgery was associated with reduced physician counseling time yet similar comprehension and patient-reported satisfaction when compared with traditional counseling methods.

Improving the consent process for cataract surgery

“…We read the article by Vo et al 1 with great interest. Vo et al 1 highlighted that multimedia can act as an adjunct for consenting patients for cataract surgery.…”

“…We read the article by Vo et al 1 with great interest. Vo et al 1 highlighted that multimedia can act as an adjunct for consenting patients for cataract surgery. The article further brings to light the importance of the consent process and how this may change in the future with further accessibility to multimedia.…”

“…There have been various interventions designed to improve the consent process: taking consent in the outpatient setting, additional information resources, and increasing the allocated time for the consent process. The study by Vo et al 1 demonstrated that utilizing multimedia in the consent process for cataract surgery can reduce time taken to obtain informed consent by approximately 50%, while not being detrimental to patient’s comprehension or satisfaction.…”

“…We thank Dr Azizi and colleagues for showing interest in our article 1 and for taking the time to provide us commentary feedback. While, in our study, it was observed that the utilization of multimedia resources reduced the consent process time for the clinic and, in particular, for the physician, the cumulative consent process time was overall extended for the patient.…”

“…The authors would like to clarify that we agree that the use of a multimedia-facilitated informed consent process holds promise in improving the overall patient experience and that it should be implemented in a manner that maximizes benefit to the patient above all else. The purpose of our article 1 is to highlight multimedia as an adjunct to enhance the experience of the consent process for the patient; however, we also felt it important to examine its impact on in-office discussion as well as on clinic and physician resources. These two points are not diametrically opposed in our opinion.…”