A video-based educational pilot for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Education
• Patient Communication

Background:

• Uncomplicated basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has multiple treatment options.
• Standardized informed consent for BCC can be challenging in busy clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if an educational video on BCC treatments improves patient knowledge and consent time.
• Comparison between video-assisted consent and standard verbal consent.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 32 patients.
• Intervention group received video education plus verbal discussion.
• Control group received standard verbal discussion alone.
• Knowledge assessments and consent time were measured.

Main Results:

• The video group showed significantly greater improvement in knowledge scores (9 ± 3.6 vs 2.9 ± 2.2).
• No significant difference in total informed consent time was observed between groups.
• High satisfaction reported by both patients and physicians regarding the video education.

Conclusions:

• Video-based education effectively enhances patient knowledge of basal cell carcinoma treatments.
• This educational approach improves understanding without adding to physician workload.
• Limitations include small sample size and variations in recruitment sites.