Patient satisfaction with an informed consent process

This study evaluates patient and family member level of satisfaction with alternative approaches in obtaining informed consent before colonoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

A convenience sample of 204 endoscopy patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer Center in new York and 102 of their family members were approached to participate in the study. All patients were 19 years of age or older, able to speak and read English, and mentally competent. After proceeding through the informed consent process using both videotape and physician discussion, participants completed a ten-question survey on their previous informed consent experience and their preferences regarding receiving consent information.

Overall, participants reported that a combination of videotape and physician explanation was preferred for receiving consent information over either method alone. The participants found that the videotape helped to make the information easier to understand and provided the appropriate amount of information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to the prospective endoscopic procedure.

Patient satisfaction should be a factor in determining the best method of providing informed consent information. Because this study indicates that participants are most satisfied with the method of videotape followed by physician discussion, the addition of the videotape to the informed consent process may be beneficial in preparing the participant for a meaningful dialogue with the physician. The use of the videotape also may eliminate the problem of readability of the written document and ensure that all patients receive the same information. With a concerted effort on the part of oncology healthcare providers, including oncologists, nurses, and patient education professionals, this method may hold promise for ensuring the achievement of informed consent in oncology patients.