Informed consent and expectation management: a case study

To explore patient responsiveness when exposed to an online educational tool and to determine level of engagement in their medical care/treatment as a consequence of this exposure.

More than 2,400 patients were exposed to the Emmi Solutions online, interactive and illustrated education tool for the procedures of gastric bypass, total hip replacement and colonoscopy. These procedures were chosen to reflect an elective surgery, a significant surgery (non-elective) and an elective diagnostic procedure. Patient responses were then analyzed to determine the level of engagement through feedback questions and comments, as well as determination of the value of the experience as rated by the patient.

More than 80 percent of patients felt that the online educational tool enhanced their understanding of the procedure/treatment. Specific comments and ratings reflect that the patients were more informed after the experience, and more than 90 percent felt sufficiently impressed with the tool to share it with their friends/family.

Utilizing an interactive educational tool enhances the patient's appreciation for the specifics of the treatment/procedure, increases their awareness of risks, provides information and comfort in knowledge and increases their confidence in the provider of the treatment/procedure. A significant percentage of the patients even engaged their family and friends in reviewing the tool, illustrating significant engagement in their pre-treatment/procedure experience.