Patient education videos for elective colorectal surgery: results of a randomized controlled trial

Recent advances in surgery have focused on peri-operative care and interventions to improve outcome following surgery. Psychological preparation has a positive impact on recovery and incorporates a range of strategies with dissemination of information as one of the key elements. Information can be given verbally, through printed information or through use of a video. Traditionally, reliance has been on the use of written material as an adjunct to patient education in clinic. The current study is a randomized trial on the use of video education in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection within an enhanced recovery programme.

Sixty-five eligible patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were identified and 61 were randomized between August 2010 and August 2011 to either video and information leaflets or information leaflets alone. A fast track protocol was established for all the patients. Clinicians in charge of postoperative recovery were blinded. Standard discharge criteria were employed for all patients.

Of 61 patients randomized, one dropped out and outcomes on 60 were analysed. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the groups (age, P = 0.964; body mass index, P = 0.829). Twenty-eight (91%) patients in the video group had left sided resections while two (6%) had right sided resections. Nineteen (66%) in the non-video group had left sided resections while nine (31%) had right sided resections. One (3%) patient in the non-video group and one (3%) in the video group had a total colectomy. Fourteen (45%) patients in the video group and 12 (41%) in the non-video group had surgery completed laparoscopically. There was no difference in the primary (median hospital stay 5 vs 5 days; P = 0.239) or the secondary outcome measures (pain score on movement, P = 0.338; pain score at rest, P = 0.989; nausea score, P = 0.74; epidural use, P = 0.984; paracetamol use, P = 0.44; voltarol use, P = 0.506) between the groups.

Use of video education in the psychological preparation of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery does not improve short-term outcomes.