Interactive method of informing patients of the risks of intravenous contrast media

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate interactive computer-based informed consent for use of contrast material versus the same information in a written format.

Materials and methods: Patients (n = 160) referred for radiologic examination with intravenous contrast material were block randomized (sex, age, and previous exposure to contrast material) into two groups and were provided either written or computer-based (video) informed consent.

Results: The female patients in the video group scored better on the test than those in the group with the written consent form. Male patients attained equivalent scores with both types of consent. The video took an average of 1.6 minutes longer to complete, probably because the majority of patients chose to be informed of every risk of intravenous contrast material.

Conclusion: This project demonstrates that a video format for informed consent before use of intravenous contrast material offers a good alternative to the written consent form.