Patient understanding of lumbar spinal stenosis surgery: Video versus leaflet

Patient understanding of surgical management is a key component of informed consent. Educational videos are increasingly used as pedagogical tools to improve preoperative patient information. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a video-based educational tool on patient understanding compared with a written information leaflet in the context of lumbar decompression surgery.

This prospective multicenter randomized observational study included adult patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis for whom lumbar decompression surgery was indicated. Patients were randomized to receive either video-based information or a written information leaflet describing the pathology, the surgical procedure, and perioperative management. Participants completed a comprehension questionnaire at day 1, day 15, and day 30 after receiving the information. The primary outcome was the median number of correct answers at day 15.

Sixty-two patients were included. The median number of correct answers at day 15 was 14.35 in the video group compared with 12.74 in the leaflet group. This difference remained significant in multivariable analysis adjusted for age and years of education after high school (p < 0.01). Age was also significantly associated with comprehension scores. Results obtained from successive questionnaires were strongly correlated.

These findings suggest that video-based educational tools may improve patient understanding before spine surgery. However, baseline patient comprehension appears to play an important role in subsequent knowledge acquisition.

Video-based information improves preoperative patient understanding before lumbar decompression surgery. Combining complementary educational supports, such as a video followed by a written leaflet, may represent an effective strategy to optimize preoperative patient education.

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