Evaluation of Patient Information Material in the Consent Process for Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is a procedure carried out in most trauma centers; however, data on evaluation of patient information material regarding this procedure are limited. The trauma service at our hospital implemented slide presentation as an adjunct tool to the consenting process for patients undergoing this procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate information material for patients undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures procedure and subjective outcomes from education on components of knowledge, emotion, and behavior for patients undergoing this procedure. METHODS: A one-group posttest prospective design study was conducted over 18 months at a Level I trauma center. Supplementary visual material was provided as an adjunct to the consent process of surgical rib fixation. Evaluation from the patient's perspective was undertaken utilizing the usefulness scale for patient information material. This tool was based on a tripartite model of reading, evaluating, and responding to patient information material. RESULTS: Over the period of 18 months, 60 patients underwent surgical stabilization of rib fractures. Fifty-two (91.7%) patients reviewed the information material, and 41 (78.8%) patients completed the feedback. The results reflect that the majority of patients perceived positive responses in emotional support (M = 8.42, SD = 6.6); behavioral motivation (M = 8.57, SD = 6.4); and education on knowledge (M = 9.09, SD = 4.6). CONCLUSION: In this novel study, visual aids as an adjunct to the informed consent process augmented patient knowledge regarding surgical stabilization of rib fractures and received positive subjective patient feedback on knowledge about the procedure.