Comprehension and Satisfaction with Informed Consent for Hip Arthroscopy Using Supplemental Online Educational Materials

Comprehension and Satisfaction with Informed Consent for Hip Arthroscopy Using Supplemental Online Educational Materials
Molly Piper, Kira Smith, Margaret Sinkler, Michael Salata, Jacob Calcei
Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery, 27 March 2025
Abstract
Background
Informed consent is a crucial component of building the patient-physician relationship, and it typically involves a conversation between patient and provider along with a written document. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of electronic educational resources in addition to paper handouts would improve patient comprehension and retention of informed consent for hip arthroscopy procedures.
Methods
Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were enrolled prospectively, and they were randomized into two groups at their preoperative visit. The first group of patients received a handout discussing their procedure following the informed consent process with the physician, while the second group received the handout as well as access to an online educational forum. The online educational materials included information regarding the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternative options to surgery. The patient’s comprehension, retention, and satisfaction were assessed with a survey on their day of surgery prior to the hip arthroscopy procedure.
Results
There were 26 patients who completed the survey preoperatively, and 65% of those patients were females (n= 17). The average age was 30 ± 9.6 years. 13 of those patients accessed the online educational materials, and 13 patients only had a paper copy of the information. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who were very or extremely informed of their procedure (p > 0.99). Additionally, there was not a significant difference in the awareness of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to hip arthroscopy between patient groups (p > 0.99). Over 75% of patients in each group were very or extremely satisfied with the information and teaching they received during the informed consent, but there was not a significant difference between groups (p= 0.59). Of the patients who utilized the online educational materials, 62% agreed that the materials helped improve their understanding of the surgery (n= 8).
Conclusion
Despite an additional online educational forum, there was not a difference in patients’ comprehension of information from the informed consent process for those undergoing hip arthroscopy. There was also not a difference in patient satisfaction between patients receiving only a paper handout versus the additional online educational forum.