Sources of information used by patients prior to elective surgery: a scoping review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the range and nature of available research regarding sources of information that patients access to inform their decisions about elective surgery.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPeer-reviewed studies published until February 2019 from the six scientific literature databases were searched and included in the study: Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Web searches for grey literature were conducted in Google, South Australia Department of Health, Commonwealth Department of Health (Australia) and My Aged Care from the Department of Social Services (Australia).Eligibility criteriaStudies with a focus on elective surgery information sources oriented to patients were eligible for inclusion. Only studies written in English were sought and no publication date or study restrictions were applied.Data extraction and synthesisIncluded literature was described by National Health and Medical Council hierarchy of evidence, and data were extracted on country and year of publication, type of literature, who provided it and any information on end users. Information sources were categorised by type and how information was presented.ResultsA pool of 1039 articles was reduced to 26 after screening for duplicates and non-relevant studies. Face-to-face exchanges were the most likely source of information prior to elective surgery (59.3%), printed information (55.6%) followed by e-learning (51.9%) and multimedia (14.8%). The face-to-face category included information provided by the physician/general practitioners/specialists, and family and friends. Printed information included brochures and pamphlets, e-learning consisted of internet sites or videos and the use of multimedia included different mixed media format.ConclusionThere is considerable variability regarding the types of information patients use in their decision to undergo elective surgery. The most common source of health information (face-to-face interaction with medical personnel) raises the question that the information provided could be incomplete and/or biased, and dependent on what their health provider knew or chose to tell them.

Identifying patient decisions and related information needs during decision making related to total knee arthroplasty

“…An online survey [27] was developed regarding five of seven major decisions, beyond whether to have surgery, that were identified by the focus groups. Because it is more complicated with longer anticipated recovery time and more variable outcomes, TKA was chosen as a focus for the survey.…”

“…In the meta-analysis, the next most frequent education modalities were printed material (55.6%), e-learning (51.9%) and multimedia (14.8%). An online interactive survey tested methods for delivery of information for shared decision making to people with arthritis found that materials that included both graphics and text improved patients' knowledge more than materials that contained only one or the other [27].…”

A scoping review of practice recommendations for clinicians’ communication of uncertainty

“… 5 , 16 , 17 , 18 Yet, despite the significance of written information (eg, writing or drawing, information leaflets and websites), clinicians’ oral information provision during medical encounters is considered by patients as their most important information source. 19 , 20 , 21 Research on interpersonal oral communication, specifically regarding second‐order uncertainty, is more scarce, and its results have been inconclusive. 22 For example, studies have reported contradicting effects of physicians’ uncertainty expressions on patient satisfaction.…”

High tibial osteotomy: A review of the readability and quality of patient information on the internet

“…Patient’s utilise many types of information when making a decision about elective surgery, including online information, leaflets, and face-to-face consultations. 4 Information retention following a face-to-face consultation is low. 5 A substantial proportion of patients therefore utilise the internet to research any potential surgery following their initial consultation.…”

“… 5 A substantial proportion of patients therefore utilise the internet to research any potential surgery following their initial consultation. 4 , 6 The internet is largely unregulated and there are concerns regarding the quality of information provided. 7 , 8 Information presented to patients must be of high quality and appropriate readability to promote patient engagement with decision-making and prevent unnecessary anxiety, distress and mis-information.…”