Abstract:

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of visual animations on the patient’s knowledge and satisfaction level in the informing during informed consent of the patients scheduled for total knee replacement surgery. Methods: A total of 139 patients who were diagnosed with gonarthrosis and scheduled for total knee replacement surgery in our clinic were included in the study. Verbal and written information about diagnoses, disease findings, scheduled surgery, operation stages, other treatment options other than the scheduled surgery, and specific complications of scheduled surgery were given to the patients. The information levels were measured with open-ended questions. After 35 days, on average, a visual animation that included the findings of their diseases and the stages of the surgery planned was shown. The impact of visual animations on the knowledge level and patient satisfaction were examined. The relation between this impact and the education level of the patient was also investigated. Results: Visual animations statistically and significantly increased the knowledge level of patients and the level of their satisfaction in informed consent (p=0.001; p<0.01, respectively). It was determined that this increase was independent of the education level of the patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: Visual animations are a simple, easy, and effective method for informing during informed consent.

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