I recently took my father to the clinic for his preoperative visit, as he is scheduled for ankle surgery. During the visit, they showed us a videotape of the procedure. I’m wondering how much this approach benefits older individuals like my dad. Wouldn’t a direct explanation from a nurse or doctor be more effective?
Using video presentations to explain surgical procedures is a relatively new practice in healthcare. The primary benefit is the consistency and completeness of the information provided. With a video, critical details are less likely to be omitted or forgotten. Additionally, older adults can adjust the volume on the TV to their comfort level, which may be easier than asking a nurse or doctor to speak louder.
A recent study evaluated how well patients understand and remember preoperative information. Participants were divided into two groups: one received the standard verbal explanation, while the other watched a videotape detailing the risks, benefits, and other treatment options.
Surveys administered immediately after the information was given and again ten weeks later revealed that the video group had a better grasp and recall of the material. Notably, patients with less formal education benefited particularly from the video compared to those who received verbal explanations. Discussing the video with your father can help reinforce the information and ensure he understands the procedure.
Reference:
Wen Chao, MD, and Mark S. Mizel, MD. “What’s New in Foot and Ankle Surgery.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, April 2006, Vol. 88-A, No. 4, pp. 909-922.