The Effects of Written Versus Video Aids on Informed Consent Across Different Types of Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study

The Effects of Written Versus Video Aids on Informed Consent Across Different Types of Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study
Ziyao Liu, Li Yuan, Wei Rong, Pei Wang
Current Problems in Surgery, 17 March 2025
Open Access
Abstract
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of written and video aids in improving surgical informed consent; however, the relative effectiveness of these two aid formats remains unclear.
Objective
To compare the effects of written and video aids on informed consent across different types of surgeries.
Methods
270 participants (193 inpatients and 77 college students) were randomly allocated to a hypothetical informed consent procedure of hemorrhoidectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or arthroscopic knee meniscus repair. Within each informed consent procedure, participants randomly received either traditional verbal informed consent, verbal informed consent plus written aids, or verbal informed consent plus video aids. Participants’ understanding of their disease and surgery, satisfaction with the consent process, and anxiety levels were assessed.
Results
Providing written aids, but not video aids, in addition to conventional verbal consent significantly improved patient understanding compared to verbal consent alone (P = 0.037). Neither aid affected patient satisfaction or anxiety (P > 0.05). No significant differences emerged in understanding, satisfaction, or anxiety scores between written and video aid groups across surgery types (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Providing written aids can improve patient understanding but have no effect on satisfaction or anxiety during surgical informed consent process. There are no differences in the effects of written and video aids on informed consent across different surgery types. Their relative effectiveness needs to be further determined.