The effect of animation-assisted informed consent using tablet personal computer for contrast-enhanced computed-tomography in emergency department

Abstract

Introduction: Informed consent is essential patient's right even in overcrowded emergency department (ED). We compared the effect of animation-assisted informed consent using tablet PC with the standard informed consent for contrast-enhanced computed-tomography (CT) in ED. Methods: We included 150 patients scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced CT in ED from November 2010 through January 2011. Participants were randomised to either animation-assisted information (AAI) (n=75) or standard verbal information (SVI) group (n=75). AAI was provided by tablet personal computer (PC); and SVI by clinicians. All participants completed 10-point scale questionnaires after the CT scan. The questionnaires included two main categories understanding and satisfaction of informed consent. Results: Participants in the AAI group had a better understanding of purpose (8.95 +/- 1.48 vs. 8.32 +/- 1.88, p=0.026) and methods (8.93 +/- 1.43 vs. 8.37 +/- 1.83, p=0.048) of CT scans compared to participants in the SVI group. Every score in satisfaction categories was significantly higher in the AAI group. In the SVI group, relatively low-educated participants had a lower score in understanding when compared with university-educated participants (7.53 +/- 2.28 vs. 8.52 +/- 1.40, p=0.029). Regardless of education level, understanding score was high in the AAI group (8.73 +/- 1.27 vs. 8.57 +/- 1.50, p=0.71). Conclusions: Participants receiving animation assisted informed consent with tablet PC shows a higher degree of understanding and satisfaction compared with patients receiving standard verbal informed consent. Particularly in patients with lower education, animation-assisted informed consent may be better for understanding of contrast-enhanced CT. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2012;19:257-263)