2 research outputs found
Information Leaflet as an Adjunct to Verbal Counsellingin Obtaining Informed Consent
INTRODUCTION:
This study evaluates if addition of information leaflet after the usual verbal counseling improves the level of understanding of patients undergoing surgery about their disease, the need for surgery and its complications.
METHODS:
It is a prospective observational case control study in which the control group receives verbal counseling only and the study group is given an information leaflet in addition to the verbal counseling after random allocation. An interviewer (surgical resident) interviews both the group using a set questionnaire. The answers are scored and added to give total marks.
RESULTS:
There were total 114 patients undergoing gall bladder surgery with 59 in the study group and 55 in the control group. The level of understanding was good or satisfactory in 18.2 % in the control group compared to 76.3% in the study group (P < 0.000). This statistically significant improvement was seen even among illiterate group when analyzed separately.
CONCLUSIONS:
Addition of information leaflet significantly improves the patients understanding of their disease irrespective of their education status.
KEYWORDS: education level, informatino leaflet, informed consent, understanding
Patients' preferences on information and involvement in decision-making for gastrointestinal surgery
Objective: The relationship between physicians and patients has undergone¦important changes, and the current emancipation of patients has led to¦a real partnership in medical decision-making. This study aimed to assess¦patients' preferences on different aspects of decision-making during treatment¦and potential complications, as well as the amount and type of preoperative¦information before visceral surgery.¦Methods: Prospective non-randomized study based on a questionnaire given¦to 253 consecutive patients scheduled for elective GI surgery.¦Results: Concerning surgical complications or treatment in the intensive care¦unit, 64% of patients wished to take actively part in any medical decisions.¦The respective figures for cardiac resuscitation and treatment limitations were¦89% and 60%. About information, 73%, 77% and 47% of patients wish¦detailed information, information on a potential ICUhospitalization and cardiac¦resuscitation, respectively. Elderly and low-educated patients were significantly¦less interested in shared medical decision-making (p = 0·003 and 0·015) and in¦information receiving (p = 0·03 and 0·05). Similarly, involvement of the family¦in decision-making was significantly less important in elderly and male patients¦(p = 0·05 and 0·03 respectively). Neither the type of operation (minor or major)¦nor the severity of disease (malignancies vs. non-malignancies) was a significant¦factor for shared decision-making, information or family involvement.¦Conclusion: The vast majority of surgical patients clearly want to get adequate¦preoperative information about their disease and the planned treatment. They¦also consider it as crucial to be involved in any kind of decision-making for¦treatment and complications. The family's role is limited to support the treating¦physicians if the patient is unable to participate in taking decisions