Information leaflet as an adjunct to verbal counseling in obtaining informed consent

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluates if addition of information leaflet after the usual verbal counseling improves the level of understanding of patients undergoing surgery about their disease, the need for surgery and its complications. Methods: It is a prospective observational case control study in which the control group receives verbal counseling only and the study group is given an information leaflet in addition to the verbal counseling after random allocation. An interviewer (surgical resident) interviews both the group using a set questionnaire. The answers are scored and added to give total marks. Results: There were total 114 patients undergoing gall bladder surgery with 59 in the study group and 55 in the control group. The level of understanding was good or satisfactory in 18.2 % in the control group compared to 76.3 % in the study group (P<0.000). This statistically significant improvement was seen even among illiterate group when analyzed separately. Conclusions: Addition of information leaflet significantly improves the patients understanding of their disease irrespective of their education status.