Is a pre-anaesthetic information form really useful?

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Patient Education
• Informed Consent

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial for all anesthetic procedures.
• Patient satisfaction is linked to the quality of information provided.
• Pre-anesthetic information delivery methods require optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a pre-anesthetic information form improves patient understanding and satisfaction.
• To compare perceived information, information gain, and satisfaction between groups receiving and not receiving an information form.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, randomized controlled study involving 200 patients (ASA 1-3) undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.
• Patients were randomized into an information form (IF) group or a control group.
• A 17-item questionnaire assessed perceived information, information gain, and satisfaction post-consultation and post-operation.

Main Results:

• The IF group demonstrated significantly higher perceived information (73% vs. 63%, P=0.002).
• Information gain was also significantly higher in the IF group (75% vs. 62%, P=0.001).
• Patient satisfaction levels were notably higher in the IF group (95% vs. 92%, P=0.048).

Conclusions:

• Pre-anesthetic information forms enhance patient perceived information and information gain.
• Providing an information form before consultation improves overall patient satisfaction.
• This strategy is effective in optimizing the informed consent process in anesthesiology.