Does Viewing a Third Molar Informed Consent Video Decrease Patients' Anxiety?

PURPOSE: Before having impacted third molars removed, patients are frequently asked to view a brief video describing the operation and its benefits and risks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether such information reduces or increases patients' anxiety level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 100 patients presenting for consultation regarding removal of their impacted third molars completed a form asking them to grade their anxiety level before and after viewing the informational video as calm, slightly anxious, moderately anxious, or very anxious. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent reported increased anxiety after viewing the video. Only 12% showed a decrease, and in 57%, there was no change (28% were still slightly, moderately, or very anxious). Scoring of the pre- and post-viewing anxiety levels showed a statistically significant increase in anxiety after viewing. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing the video increased or did not reduce the anxiety level in a significant number of patients. Therefore, it is important to complement this video with positive verbal and written reinforcement of such aspects as patient comfort, procedural safety, and adequate pain control.

Patient Recall of Information on a Third Molar Informed Consent Video.

PURPOSE: Experience has shown that in malpractice cases patients often claim certain information was not provided during the informed consent process. The purposes of this study were to determine how much of an informed consent video patients initially remember and how much is recalled when there is a hiatus from viewing the video to the surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients presenting for impacted third molar removal in an academic setting (n = 50) or a private office (n = 50) viewed an informed consent video and then met with the treating doctor for further discussion and signing of an informed consent form. Then, they were given a 10-item test containing questions relating to the information provided on the video. At the subsequent time of surgery, they were again given the same test. The number of correct answers at the 2 points was compared. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the number of correct responses between the 2 time points (P = .0212) and between patients from the 2 practice settings (P = .0076). However, these differences were less than 0.5 of a possible 10. The number of correct responses was not associated with age (P = .1203), gender (P = .6647), or number of days between testing (P = .7272). CONCLUSION: Patients have good recall of the information provided by the informed consent video. However, because some information was forgotten, a presurgical review of the information is advisable.

Do patients fear undergoing general anesthesia for oral surgery?

Many patients undergoing major surgery have more fear of the general anesthesia than the procedure. This appears to be reversed with oral surgery. Therefore, patients need to be as well informed about this aspect as the surgical operation.