Development of a novel multimedia tool for obtaining informed consent from survivors of sexual offenses and its comparison with the conventional method.

Background: Although multimedia tools for obtaining informed consent have been researched for surgeries, chemotherapy, and clinical trials, nothing has been explored in the context of the medico-legal examination of survivors of sexual offenses. The objective of the study was to develop a novel multimedia tool for obtaining informed consent and assent from survivors of sexual offenses and to compare it with conventional consent-taking procedure.

Methods: One cross-sectional study was conducted with survivors of sexual offenses as study participants. They were divided into two groups; one group has been given a conventional consent document, and the other was given an additional multimedia tool. The multimedia tool consisted of one video with animations, audio, and narrations in English and Assamese. Their understanding and satisfaction with the procedures were noted.

Results: Out of the 50 study participants, 46% were children, and the majority fell into the age group of 11-20 years. Only five individuals studied till higher secondary or were still studying. A total of 66% of participants were illiterate or had studied till primary school. However, 86% belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Then, 76% of individuals from the first group consented/assented to medico-legal examination, while all individuals from the second group consented/assented to examination. The second group showed higher levels of understanding (84%) and personal satisfaction (80%).

Conclusion: Multimedia tool for informed consent shows promising results in the field of medico-legal examination. It is survivor friendly, allays fear, and gives a better understanding of the medico-legal examination.