Extended preoperative patient education using a multimedia DVD-impact on patients receiving a laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The informed consent is a legal requirement prior to surgery and should be based on an extensive preoperative interview. Multimedia productions can therefore be utilised as supporting tool. In a prospective randomised trial, we evaluated the impact of an extended education on patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods: For extended patient information, a professionally built DVD was used. After randomisation to either the DVD or the control group, patients were informed with or without additional presentation of the DVD. The quality of education was evaluated using a purpose-built questionnaire.

Results: One hundred fourteen patients were included in the DVD and 98 in the control group. Patient characteristics did not differ significantly despite a higher educational level in the DVD group. The score of correctly answered questions was higher in the DVD group (19.88 vs. 17.58 points, p < 0.001). As subgroup analysis revealed, particular patient characteristics additionally impacted on results.

Conclusion: Patients should be informed the most extensively prior to any surgical procedure. Multimedia productions therefore offer a suitable instrument. In the presented study, we could prove the positive impact of an information DVD on patients knowledge. Nevertheless, multimedia tools cannot replace personal interaction and should only be used to support daily work.