Internet based patient education improves informed consent for elective orthopaedic surgery: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Informed Consent
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial in surgery, yet patient education remains a challenge.
• Contemporary surgical practice faces difficulties in providing adequate patient education for informed decision-making.
• This study evaluated a patient information website to enhance education and informed consent for elective orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of a patient information website in augmenting patient education and informed consent for elective orthopaedic surgery.
• To assess the impact of an online educational resource on patient knowledge, satisfaction, and anxiety levels related to surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial compared standard surgeon discussion with augmented discussion including an online resource (www.orthoanswer.org).
• Participants were recruited from orthopaedic outpatient clinics, undergoing common orthopaedic procedures.
• Primary outcome: patient knowledge; Secondary outcomes: satisfaction with informed consent and anxiety levels.

Main Results:

• Patients using the website showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (69.25% vs. 47.38%, p < 0.01).
• Satisfaction with informed consent was also significantly improved in the intervention group (p = 0.043).
• No significant difference in anxiety levels was observed between the groups (p = 0.195).

Conclusions:

• A patient education website effectively improves patient knowledge and satisfaction regarding informed consent for surgery.
• The use of web-based tools augments the consent process without increasing patient anxiety.
• Directing patients to online educational resources is recommended to enhance surgical consent.