The researchers examined 56 patients who enrolled in a study to undergo adult spinal deformity surgery. The patients underwent an augmented informed consent process with both verbal and video explanations. The patients were asked to recall 11 of the most common complications.
The researchers found:
1. The average patient was only able to recall 45 percent of the common complications immediately after discussion and video re-enforcement.
2. The recall declined to 18 percent six to eight weeks and one year postoperatively.
3. The average family member recall trended higher than the individual patient recalled at 55 percent immediately after the discussion and video; they recalled 36 percent at six to eight weeks postoperatively.
4. The patients perceived the severity of complications differently than surgeons.
5. The patients’ mental status showed a transient, significant decrease between pre-operation to discharge; however, it was significantly higher at one year.
“Despite being well-informed in an optimized informed consent process, patients cannot recall most surgical risks discussed and recall declines over time,” concluded the study authors. “Significant progress remains to improve informed consent retention.”
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