title: The use of multimedia as an adjunct to the informed consent process for Morton's neuroma resection surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess if a computer-based multimedia education module (MEM) improved patients' comprehension when used as an adjunct to the standard verbal consent process for Morton's neuroma resection surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen patients (15 females and 4 males) considered candidates for Morton's neuroma resection surgery were prospectively recruited. A standardized verbal discussion was had with each patient regarding risks and benefits of surgery, alternative treatments, and the usual postoperative course. Patient understanding was then assessed with a questionnaire. Each patient subsequently viewed the MEM and the questionnaire was repeated. Patients also rated ease of understanding and satisfaction with both methods of patient education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients answered a significantly greater proportion of correct answers after viewing the MEM module (85%), compared to verbal discussion alone (61%) (P = .002). Patients rated both the ease of understanding of the module and amount of information provided by the module as a mean of 9.3 cm on a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The majority of patients (76%) rated the multimedia tool as having answered their questions about surgery as well or better than the treating surgeon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An interactive multimedia educational tool was a useful adjunct to the informed consent process for patients considering Morton's neuroma resection surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level II, prospective cohort study.
authors.affiliation: Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Calvin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Murdoch Orthopaedic Clinic, Murdoch, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ammon
authors.affiliation: Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic, Richmond, Victoria, Australia adbeisch@bigpond.net.au.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Beischer
mesh_terms: D032882:Comprehension; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D009463:Neuroma / Q000601:surgery; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Morton’s neuroma; informed consent; multimedia; patient education; surgery