Related Experiment Videos
How informed is consent? Use of an information booklet in patients undergoing total hip replacement
S Kearns1, R Kingston, S Forman
1Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin.
Insights
A new booklet significantly improved patient understanding of total hip replacement (THR) risks and benefits. Post-reading, patients better comprehended alternatives and potential complications, enhancing informed consent for THR procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Education
- Patient Information
Background:
- Informed consent requires patients to understand procedure risks and benefits.
- Total hip replacement (THR) is a common orthopedic procedure with significant implications.
- Effective patient education is crucial for ethical and successful surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly devised information booklet in enhancing patient understanding of total hip replacement (THR).
- To assess the impact of the booklet on patients' knowledge of THR risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) participated in the study.
- A questionnaire assessed patient understanding of THR risks and benefits before and after reading the information booklet.
- Data collected included the number of known benefits, alternative treatments, and risks.
Main Results:
- Patients' average understanding of THR benefits increased from 2 to 3 after reading the booklet.
- Knowledge of alternative treatments improved, with patients identifying an average of 1 before and 2 after.
- Awareness of THR risks significantly increased, with patients identifying 1 risk initially versus 3 post-booklet.
- 48 patients reported increased understanding, and 46 wished to retain the booklet.
Conclusions:
- The developed information booklet effectively enhances patient comprehension of total hip replacement (THR) risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Improved understanding facilitates more informed consent for patients undergoing THR.
- The booklet is well-received by patients, suggesting its utility in clinical practice for orthopedic surgery education.
Abstract:
For informed consent, patients must understand the risks and benefits of the proposed procedure. Fifty patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) participated in an evaluation of a newly devised information booklet. Patients' understanding of the risks and benefits of THR was assessed using a questionnaire before and after they had read the booklet. Pre-booklet patients knew on average 2 benefits of THR, compared with 3 afterwards. Twenty-two patients initially identified no alternative treatment to THR. Those who knew an alternative stated on average 1 treatment compared with 2 in the post-booklet group. Fifteen patients identified no risks of THR initially, compared with two after reading the booklet. Initially patients reported 1 risk, versus 3 after reading the booklet. Forty-eight patients thought that the booklet increased their understanding of THR and its risks. Fourteen found it upsetting, but acceptable. Forty-six patients wished to keep the booklet.