Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the addition of a multimedia module outlining total laparoscopic hysterectomy to the standard consent process, improves junior doctor’s knowledge in consenting patients to TLH.
DESIGN
Randomised Controlled Trial
SETTING
Three public hospitals- metropolitan tertiary women’s hospital in Melbourne, Victoria; a rural general hospital in outer Victoria; a outer-metropolitan general hospital in Perth, Western Australia.
PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-one gynaecology residents and registrars, who work in gynaecology clinics and operating theatres in public hospitals in Australia.
INTERVENTION
Following the standard informed consent process, participants were randomised to watch the multimedia module (intervention group, n=15) or not (control group, n=16). All participants completed a knowledge questionnaire. The numeric scores between the groups were compared.
MESUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Participants’ age, level of accredited RANZCOG training and months of O&G experience were recorded. The multimedia module group demonstrated superior knowledge scores. Mean score in the MM group was 17.467 and in the control group was 13.875 (maximum score 18). Mean difference -3.592 (95% CI -4.609 - -2.574) (p =<0.001)
Of those participants who watched the multimedia module, 93% (14 / 15) agree or strongly agree that the MM module is useful in consenting patients for TLH.
93% of the MM participants agree or strongly agree that they would like to show patients a MM module when consenting for TLH.
CONCLUSION
Use of a multimedia module in the informed consent process improves junior doctors’ knowledge in consenting patients for total laparoscopic hysterectomy.