Preparation for elective colorectal surgery using a video: a questionnaire-based observational study

OBJECTIVE: Every patient has a perception about surgery and psychological preparation of the patient has an important impact on their postoperative recovery and outcome. In this study we looked at impact of a visual educational aid, in the form of a patient DVD on outcome following colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme (ERP). DESIGN: We carried out a prospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. All patients were given information about their operation in a clinic setting. Our intervention included a 15 minute patient educational video describing the preoperative assessment, post-operative recovery and advice on discharge. A questionnaire on patients' views of ERP and video education was given on discharge. SETTING: University teaching hospital PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes studied included length of hospital stay, patient perception of ERP, postoperative complications and readmissions: RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent elective colorectal surgery over a 3 month period. Median length of stay in hospital was 5 days. The questionnaire response rate was 100%. All patients thought they were well informed of the enhanced recovery programme. Eighty-eight percent responded that the video information provided about their operation was adequate, with 28% finding the video very helpful and more useful than other forms of patient information. There were no major postoperative complications and no readmissions. CONCLUSION: Audiovisual presentation in the form of a patient video is a useful tool in the psychological preparation of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.