Role of information leaflets in improving the practice of informed consent for patients undergoing septoplasty

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an information leaflet in improving patient understanding of the procedure and complications of septoplasty. Design: The baseline knowledge of a group of patients who had attended a pre-assessment clinic prior to septoplasty was assessed. The procedure and its complications were then verbally explained. The patients' knowledge was then re-assessed on the morning of surgery and any improvements noted. In the second arm of the study, an information leaflet was introduced at the time of verbal instruction and any differences in improvement in knowledge were assessed. Results: Data from the two groups were analysed using an analysis of covariance with differences in baseline (pre-instruction) knowledge controlled. Additional improvements in mean recall score following leaflet distribution were highly statistically significant when compared with mean recall in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of information leaflets increases patients' knowledge about a surgical procedure and its potential complications.