J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2010 Dec;21(6):815-824.

The Effect of Video-assisted Informed Consent for Central Venous Catheterization in the Emergency Department

• Yi HY
• Lee JY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Informed consent is a basic right of patients undergoing medical procedures, but the effect of the type of consent form on the risk of invasive procedures is controversial, and the recall of information by patients has been poor. This trial was designed to assess the effect of video-assisted information on verbal informed consent to allow central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in the emergency department.
METHODS
A prospective, randomized controlled trial was done on adult emergency department patients undergoing CVC insertion. Patients were randomized to the intervention or the control group. The intervention group had consent obtained with the assistance of video information (video group). The control group received a conventional education process that was conducted by the physician (verbal group) regarding indications, risks, and treatment of complications due to the procedure. Outcome variables consisted of an anxiety score, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline and immediately after informed consent. All participants completed a 5-question knowledge measurement and graded their satisfaction level after the explanation.
RESULTS
Of 208 patients enrolled, nine withdrew, leaving 199 for analysis (video n=99; verbal n=100). The two groups were similar with regard to their baseline characteristics. The video group was significantly less anxious after informed consent (4.5+/-0.8 vs 5.8+/-1.0, p=0.029) and had a significantly lower heart rate (64+/-12 vs 73+/-10, p=0.027). Mean knowledge scores were higher in the video group (3.82+/-0.55) compared to the verbal group (2.94+/- 0.75) (p=0.01). Satisfaction regarding the information received was higher in the video group (4.09+/-1.08) than in the verbal group (3.15+/-1.04) (p=0.00).
CONCLUSION
Video-assisted informed consent decreases anxiety and improves satisfaction scales in patients undergoing CVC insertion. The Video group showed better recall of information compared with the verbal group.

Keyword

Central venous catheterization; Informed consent; Patient education as Topic; Mental Recall

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anxiety
Blood Pressure
Catheterization, Central Venous
Central Venous Catheters
Consent Forms
Emergencies
Heart Rate
Humans
Informed Consent
Mental Recall
Patient Education as Topic
Prospective Studies
Weights and Measures