Use of multimedia during informed consent: novelty or necessity

The process of informed consent is an integral part of the preoperative encounter. In theory, it has the potential to educate patients, enabling them to reach a true autonomous decision regarding the treatment offered. Unfortunately, in recent years informed consent has become overly complicated for the average patient. Questions have been raised regarding the ability of the process, as practiced nowadays, to actually increase knowledge and achieve its goals. In search of new ways to increase patient comprehension, researchers have suggested use of multimedia during the process of informed consent. Visualization of complex ideas, interactive learning and tailoring the procedure to fit patient needs are all advantages presented by use of multimedia during the process. Several randomized prospective trials have looked into this topic and have presented promising data in favor of multimedia use. Informed consent is a process with unfulfilled potential, and use of multimedia may be part of the solution. In our opinion, it is time to change the way we educate patients.