The use of video before arthroscopic shoulder surgery to enhance patient recall and satisfaction: a randomized-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Historically, the preoperative consultation has consisted of a discussion between patient and surgeon. There is a growing literature describing efforts to integrate multimedia into surgical patient education. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an educational video tutorial on early learning of information specific to patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy when it was used as an adjunct to the standard preoperative consultation. METHODS: This study was a surgeon-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 40 consecutive patients requiring shoulder arthroscopy. After a preoperative consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a control group or a treatment group. The treatment group viewed a 10-minute video, which covered the expected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative experience. Immediately afterward, both groups completed a questionnaire measuring satisfaction and recall of information received. All patients completed a second questionnaire at the first postoperative visit that assessed overall satisfaction with their experience. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were available for follow-up. The video group (N = 15) answered 87% of the knowledge questions correctly, whereas the control group (N = 19) answered only 56% (P = .000). There was stronger agreement in the video group that the preoperative consultation contained an appropriate amount of information (P = .039). Postoperatively, there was agreement that the video was an effective preparation tool for all stages of the surgical experience. However, there was no difference between the groups in satisfaction with their overall surgical experience. CONCLUSIONS: Video can enhance patients' operative experiences and improve their retained knowledge when it is used as an adjunct to the preoperative consultation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science, education methodology study, devices to improve learning.