A prospective randomized trial of standard versus multimedia-supplemented counseling in patients undergoing endometrial cancer staging surgery

Objectives. A patient's understanding of surgery is often limited, especially in the setting of complex oncologic procedures. The use of supplemental materials can improve patients' knowledge of their procedure and satisfac-tion with decision making. We sought to determine if a multimedia-supplemented approach in patients under-going robotic endometrial cancer staging improves satisfaction with preoperative counseling. Secondary objectives were patient comprehension, physician satisfaction, and visit length.Methods. From 2018 to 2019, patients were randomized to standard physician education (SPE) or multimedia-based education (MBE), which included watching two novel videos followed by focused physician counseling. Basic demographic information was collected. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Client Sat-isfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8, a validated satisfaction survey, scored 8-32) and a global satisfaction score (GGS, 10-point scale). Physician satisfaction was assessed using a GGS. Comprehension was assessed with a study-specific 9-question survey at three time points. t-tests and linear mixed models were used to compare groups.Results. Of the 75 patients included in the analysis, the majority were white (70%), 50-70 years old (72%), and had at least some college education (74%). The MBE group reported higher satisfaction on the CSQ-8 (31.69 vs 30.69, p < 0.01) and global satisfaction score (9.95 vs 9.74, p = 0.04). There was no difference in comprehension scores over time (p = 0.84) or between groups (p = 0.23). Visit lengths were significantly longer in the MBE group (90.36 vs 80.46 min, p = 0.04).Conclusions. Patients had high satisfaction and comprehension with both SPE and MBE. Multimedia education may be implemented in preoperative counseling based on provider preference and consideration should be made for further study of satisfaction, both patient and physician, and visit length after the initial implementation period.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that the use of multimedia supplements in preoperative counseling for robotic endometrial cancer staging improves patients' satisfaction. There was no significant difference in satisfaction and comprehension between patients and physicians. However, the use of multimedia education resulted in longer visit lengths.