A video investigation of the effects of physicians' verbal explanations and attitudes concerning informed consent on patients

Abstract

This study investigates how physician attitudes during verbal explanations concerning informed consent and the comprehensibility of the explanations influence understanding, emotions, and decision-making in patients of varying ages. After watching one of four videos providing verbal explanations of informed consent for lumbar puncture, 642 healthy participants were asked to evaluate the videos and undertake a post-explanation comprehension test. The videos varied on two dimensions: more/less comprehensible explanations and friendly/unfriendly physician attitudes. The results of the study indicate that patient understanding is primarily influenced by the comprehensibility of the verbal explanations. However, level of understanding was also affected by physician attitude, which was also the primary factor influencing the patient's emotions during the encounters. The effects on decision-making varied according to age group; for although decision-making in young patients was affected by comprehensibility level, decision-making in middle-aged and older patients was more affected by physician attitude. Both comprehensible explanations and a friendly attitude are crucial for obtaining adequately informed consent. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)