Effectiveness of Audiovisual Versus Written Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Minor Hand Procedures

Overview

The utility and effectiveness of video-based instructions (VBI) versus standard written instructions was not previously investigated in hand surgery; thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual instruction as compared to regular verbal instructions given to patients undergoing common hand procedures, including instruction recall and compliance, patient education, patient satisfaction with the information given, patient satisfaction with operative experience.

Outcomes of hand surgery are greatly dependent on factors outside the operating theater as well. These include patient compliance to preoperative instructions that consist of proper surgical site care, proper positioning, and following occupational therapy protocols. Previous studies have shown that video-based information provide greater patient satisfaction than verbal instructions. Visual information was also reported to decrease patient anxiety regarding the procedure and increases patient education in terms of procedure risks and benefits(1-5). The utility and effectiveness of video-based instructions (VBI) versus standard written instructions was not previously investigated in hand surgery; thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual instruction as compared to regular verbal instructions given to patients undergoing common hand procedures, including instruction recall and compliance, patient education, patient satisfaction with the information given, patient satisfaction with operative experience. The secondary objective is to evaluate if VBI result in better outcomes than standard written instructions.