A randomized trial of multimedia-facilitated informed consent for cataract surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value and role of patient's education videos in the informed consent process for patients undergoing preoperative assessment of cataracts.

Design: The study is a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial.

Subjects Participants And/or Controls: Participants enrolled in this study were specifically those undergoing first-time phacoemulsification cataract surgery with the placement of a monofocal lens implant.

Participants And Methods: Subjects were randomized to either face-to-face surgeon-informed consent with a preceding education video or face-to-face surgeon-informed consent alone.

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures assessed were time to complete the informed consent process, patient's satisfaction, and patient's comprehension.

Results: The video and control groups were similar in satisfaction (4.67±0.104 video vs. 4.53±0.133 control; =0.43) and comprehension (79.4%±2.82% video vs. 79.3%±3.39% control; =0.99). Counseling time was statistically significantly different (117.5±10.9 seconds video versus 241.6±13.0 seconds control; <0.0001).

Conclusion: Use of a patient's education video for cataract surgery was associated with reduced physician counseling time yet similar comprehension and patient-reported satisfaction when compared with traditional counseling methods.