SURGIMEDIA: Utilization of Multimedia for Enhanced Surgical Consent

Informed consent is an ethical and legal component of the pre-procedural process. Informed consent involves the explanation of procedural steps and discussion regarding the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed procedure. The current informed consent process lacks standardization, and patient experience can vary widely depending on the provider obtaining consent. This pilot study aims to ensure high quality informed consent for patients undergoing a complex oncologic operation known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple operation), through the creation of an educational video as a method of obtaining informed consent. This study will explore whether the application of an educational video as part of the informed consent process increases patient understanding, comfort, and overall satisfaction throughout the Whipple operative course. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether implementation of a multimedia video as an enhancement to surgical informed consent improves patient satisfaction, promotes understanding, and informs operative expectations. The desired outcome is to standardize the informed consent process to eliminate variability in the quality of the consent process and to mitigate the impact of healthcare barriers such as health literacy and language proficiency in the informed consent process.