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INTRODUCTION: In the current climate of increasing awareness,
patients are demanding more knowledge about forthcoming operations. The patient information accounts for a considerable part of the physician’s daily clinical routine. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the information is understood by the patient after solely verbal elucidation, and even in the use of auxiliary materials, there is still room for improvement. New ways in patient information have to be found to satisfy patient’s rising expectations. It is consistent with the spirit of the time to use modern media for broad and demonstrative patient information.

METHODS: In a prospective study, 84 consecutive stationary patients, scheduled for a specific neurosurgical procedure were asked to use a web-based audiovisual patient information system. A combination of pictures, text, tone and video about the planned surgical intervention could be recalled on the internet before an elective surgical intervention. For patients not familiar with the internet, the clearly designed program was presented on a tablet personal computer the day before surgery. All patients and their treating surgeons were then asked to complete a questionnaire.

RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of all participants found that
the audiovisual patient information system lead to a better
understanding of the forthcoming operation. 82% found
that the information system was a very helpful preparation
before the pre-surgical interview with the surgeon. 91% of all
participants considered it meaningful to provide this kind of
preoperative education also to patients planned to undergo other surgical interventions. 83% were altogether “very content” with audiovisual patient information system and 85% would recommend the system to others. In the majority of cases (61%) the corresponding surgeon assessed the patient information
system as substantial benefit to the preoperative dialogue.

CONCLUSION: This new approach of patient information had
a positive impact on patient education as is evident from high satisfaction scores. By using this information system, the patient can take an active part in the preoperative dialogue with the physician starting from a better level of information. Thus, time can be saved and used more efficiently to answer important questions. Because patient satisfaction with the informed consent process and understanding of the presented information improved substantially, the audiovisual patient information system clearly benefits both surgeons and patients.