Visual aids for induction of labor education: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Patient Education
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Induction of labor (IOL) is common in the US, but associated with lower patient satisfaction, particularly among Black patients.
• Visual aids can enhance patient satisfaction in medical decision-making.
• Limited research exists on using visual aids for IOL counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare standard IOL counseling with counseling augmented by a patient-informed visual aid.
• To assess the impact on patient knowledge of IOL procedures.
• To evaluate differences in patient satisfaction with counseling.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 84 patients undergoing IOL at ≥37 weeks gestation.
• Patients received either standard counseling or standard counseling plus a visual aid handout co-developed with patients.
• Primary outcome: patient knowledge assessed via a validated questionnaire. Secondary outcome: satisfaction rated on a 0-10 scale.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in IOL knowledge scores between the visual aid group (median 80) and standard counseling group (median 70), P=.23.
• Patient satisfaction scores were also similar: visual aid group (median 9) vs. standard counseling group (median 10), P=.08.
• Stratified analyses by race, education, and insurance showed no significant differences.

Conclusions:

• A patient-informed visual aid did not significantly improve knowledge or satisfaction compared to standard counseling for labor induction.
• Future research should focus on modifying the visual aid based on patient feedback and exploring earlier antenatal implementation.