The Use of Multimedia as an Adjunct to the Informed Consent Process for Morton’s Neuroma Resection Surgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess if a computer-based multimedia education module (MEM) improved patients' comprehension when used as an adjunct to the standard verbal consent process for Morton's neuroma resection surgery. METHODS: Nineteen patients (15 females and 4 males) considered candidates for Morton's neuroma resection surgery were prospectively recruited. A standardized verbal discussion was had with each patient regarding risks and benefits of surgery, alternative treatments, and the usual postoperative course. Patient understanding was then assessed with a questionnaire. Each patient subsequently viewed the MEM and the questionnaire was repeated. Patients also rated ease of understanding and satisfaction with both methods of patient education. RESULTS: Patients answered a significantly greater proportion of correct answers after viewing the MEM module (85%), compared to verbal discussion alone (61%) (P = .002). Patients rated both the ease of understanding of the module and amount of information provided by the module as a mean of 9.3 cm on a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The majority of patients (76%) rated the multimedia tool as having answered their questions about surgery as well or better than the treating surgeon. CONCLUSION: An interactive multimedia educational tool was a useful adjunct to the informed consent process for patients considering Morton's neuroma resection surgery. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.