Using a Multimedia Tool for Informed Consent in Mohs Surgery: A Randomized Trial Measuring Effects on Patient Anxiety, Knowledge, and Satisfaction

BACKGROUND Multimedia educational materials have been found to improve aspects of informed consent, although data in the context of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is limited. OBJECTIVE To assess whether a preoperative educational video decreases anxiety, increases comprehension, and improves overall satisfaction for patients undergoing same-day office consultation and MMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-center randomized controlled trial included patients above the age of 18 years undergoing MMS for skin cancer between October 2015 and December 2015. Patients were randomized to view a short preoperative video on MMS in addition to traditional informed consent versus informed consent without video viewing. Questionnaires were used to assess preoperative anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction. RESULTS From 231 consecutively enrolled subjects, there were no significant differences in anxiety (p = .626) or satisfaction (p = .065) between groups. Subjects receiving the intervention were able to more accurately recognize risks of MMS (88% vs 69% of controls, p < .001) and had improved subject-reported confidence in understanding procedural risks and benefits (89% vs 71% of controls, p = .049). Composite comprehension scores were similar between groups (p = .131). CONCLUSION A preoperative MMS educational video increased recognition of procedural risks, but did not improve patient anxiety or satisfaction.