A randomized controlled trial comparing video-assisted informed consent with standard consent for Mohs micrographic surgery

BACKGROUND: There is a need for improvement in informed medical consent to address the lack of standardization and to increase patient engagement. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of a video to aid informed consent for Mohs micrographic surgery and evaluate patient understanding, satisfaction, anxiety, and time savings relative to verbal consent. METHODS: A 2-armed randomized controlled trial involving 102 patients compared video-assisted consent with a control group who underwent consent in the standard verbal manner. All participants underwent questionnaire-based testing of knowledge, satisfaction, and anxiety, and the time of each consultation was measured. RESULTS: Patients who watched the video performed significantly better in the knowledge questionnaire compared with the control group (P = .02), were more satisfied with their understanding of the risks of Mohs micrographic surgery (P = .013), and spent less time with their physician (P = .008). Additionally, 78.4% of video group patients reported that they preferred seeing the video before speaking with their physician. LIMITATIONS: The study design may not replicate day-to-day clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted consent for Mohs micrographic surgery improves patient knowledge, leads to a better understanding of the risks, and saves physicians time without compromising patient satisfaction and anxiety levels in this study setting.