Systematic review and meta-analysis of audio-visual information aids for informed consent for invasive healthcare procedures in clinical practice.

Objective: To systematically review audio-visual (AV) interventions for promoting informed consent (IC) in clinical practice and to consider the impact of reading age adjustment.

Methods: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing AV interventions to standard IC in clinical practice. Outcomes included recall (immediate <1 day; intermediate 1-14 days; late >14 days), satisfaction and anxiety.

Interventions to promote informed consent for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive healthcare procedures.

Background: Achieving informed consent is a core clinical procedure and is required before any surgical or invasive procedure is undertaken.  However, it is a complex process which requires patients be provided with information which they can understand and retain, opportunity to consider their options, and to be able to express their opinions and ask questions.  There is evidence that at present some patients undergo procedures without informed consent being achieved.