[Is patient education using audiovisual methods helpful?]

In a prospective randomized study we compared the effectiveness of preparatory information with and without a video film show about a planned heart catheterization. 65 patients were included, 5 were later excluded for medical reasons. One group (n = 34) received preparatory disclosure from a standard pamphlet and a personal interview; the other group additionally watched a 14 min video (n = 26). Only the latter group had a significant reduction of anxiety scores. Patients said they received better information from the film than from the pamphlet. Duration of the personal interview did not differ. Viewing the video may improve patient compliance.