Impact of an Informational Video on Parental Choice of Tonsillectomy Technique

To evaluate whether the use of an educational video explaining the differences between intracapsular and extracapsular tonsillectomy, as well as their respective risks and benefits, influences parental decision-making in a pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

Flyers with a quick response (QR) code linking to a video that explained intracapsular versus extracapsular tonsillectomy techniques and associated complications were posted in exam rooms of a pediatric otolaryngology clinic in July 2024. Parents were encouraged to view the video. Data were collected for tonsillectomies performed between May 2024 and January 2025, including clinic visit date, patient age and gender, parent at the visit, indication for tonsillectomy, and procedure chosen.

Of 214 patients, 133 (62%) had clinic visits before flyers were posted and 81 (38%) after. Before the flyers, only 24 (18%) chose intracapsular tonsillectomy, compared to 34 (42%) afterward (P < .001). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep disordered breathing (SDB) were the most common surgical indications (N = 200, 94%). Patient age and gender, parent at visit, and surgical indication were not significantly associated with the procedure chosen.

These findings suggest educational interventions can influence parental preference for tonsillectomy type. Providing accessible, comprehensible information may support more informed decision-making, potentially improving surgical outcomes and parent satisfaction.

Integrating concise educational tools into clinic visits offers a practical way to enhance communication and engage families in shared surgical decision-making. These interventions may also standardize information delivery and reduce variability in how options are presented across providers.