Using visual aids to improve pediatric anesthesia consent
Use of a Visual Aid in Improving Caregiver Understanding and Recall in Pediatric Anesthesia Consent Process - a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if using visual aids like posters and pamphlets can help caregivers of children having surgery better understand and remember important information about anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 0 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05774743 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to enhance the informed consent process for pediatric anesthesia by utilizing visual aids such as posters and pamphlets. Caregivers of children undergoing elective surgeries will be randomly assigned to either a standard consent process or one that includes these visual aids. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these aids in improving caregiver recall and satisfaction regarding the information provided about anesthesia risks and procedures. By comparing the two groups, the trial seeks to determine if visual aids can significantly enhance understanding and retention of critical information.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are caregivers of pediatric patients under 18 years old who are scheduled for elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients who are undergoing major or emergency surgeries, or those whose caregivers cannot communicate in English, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better-informed caregivers, ultimately improving the safety and satisfaction of pediatric anesthesia procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that visual aids can improve patient understanding in various medical contexts, but this specific application in pediatric anesthesia consent is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * caregivers of pediatric patients under the age of 18 years old who are undergoing elective surgical procedures (adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, strabismus repair, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, herniotomy, circumcision, etc.) requiring a general anesthetic Exclusion Criteria:Caregivers (study participants) will be excluded from the study if the patient they are a caregiver for meets any of the following criteria: * having major surgery * emergency surgery * ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) IV and above * has had previous surgery * pediatric patients who sign their own consent Caregivers (study participants) will be excluded if: * language of communication other than English * they refuse to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- London Health Sciences Centre — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Niveditha Karuppiah — London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
- Study coordinator: Niveditha Karuppiah
- Email: Niveditha.Karuppiah@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 519-685-8500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.