title: Using multimedia to enhance the consent process for bunion  correction surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obtaining informed consent from patients considering bunion surgery can be challenging. This study assessed the efficacy of a multimedia technology as an adjunct to the informed consent process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, cohort study was conducted involving 55 patients (7 males, 48 females) who underwent a standardized verbal discussion regarding bunion correction surgery followed by completion of a knowledge questionnaire. A multimedia educational program was then administered and the knowledge questionnaire repeated. Additional supplementary questions were then given regarding satisfaction with the multimedia program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients answered 74% questions correctly before the multimedia module compared with 94% after it (P < 0.0001). Patients rated the ease of understanding and the amount of information provided by the module highly. Eighty-four percent of patients considered that the multimedia tool performed as well as the treating surgeon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multimedia technology is useful in enhancing patient knowledge regarding bunion surgery for the purposes of obtaining informed consent.
authors.forename: Eldridge D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Batuyong
authors.forename: Andrew J L
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Jowett
authors.forename: Nilmini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wickramasinghe
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Beischer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D032882:Comprehension; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000601:surgery*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires