Does using anatomical models improve patient satisfaction in orthopaedic consenting? Single-blinded randomised...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient Experience
• Medical Education

Background:

• Patient satisfaction is crucial for clinical governance and healthcare quality.
• Informed consent is a key process in patient care, impacting overall satisfaction.
• Visual aids in medical explanations can potentially enhance patient understanding and satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of 3D anatomical models on patient satisfaction during informed consent for knee and shoulder surgery.
• To compare patient satisfaction levels between those receiving standard verbal consent and those shown 3D models.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 52 patients undergoing elective knee or shoulder surgery.
• Intervention group (n=26) received verbal explanation with a 3D anatomical model; control group (n=26) received only verbal explanation.
• Patient satisfaction was measured using the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS-26) questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a significant improvement in overall patient satisfaction (94.0%) compared to the control group (86.6%), with a 7.4% increase (p=0.01).
• Satisfaction related to behavioral criteria increased by 13% (p=0.02) in the intervention group.
• Qualitative analysis revealed that visual aids and surgeon's interpersonal manner were key factors influencing satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• 3D anatomical models significantly enhance patient satisfaction during the informed consent process for orthopedic procedures.
• The use of anatomical models improved perceived surgeon interpersonal skills and overall patient experience.
• Anatomical models are recommended as cost-effective and easily implementable visual aids in orthopedic consent.