WashU animated video explaining DIEP flap breast reconstruction

WashU DIEP Flap Video and Patient Understanding Improvement

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06864754

English-speaking adults scheduled for DIEP breast reconstruction will watch a WashU animated video to see if it improves their understanding and lowers anxiety before and after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06864754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adult English-speaking patients scheduled for DIEP flap reconstruction at Barnes Jewish Hospital will complete a baseline survey at their pre-operative standard-of-care visit, watch the WashU animated DIEP flap video, and then complete a post-video survey. A third survey will be completed at the post-operative standard-of-care visit to repeat key questions about understanding and anxiety and to assess whether the video set realistic expectations for recovery. Surveys use validated instruments (SILS, APAIS, PEMAT, AIM/IAM) plus demographic and health literacy items. Responses will be analyzed for trends and changes in understanding and anxiety scores to determine whether adjunct video use is associated with improvement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: English-speaking adults (age ≥18) who are scheduled to undergo DIEP-flap breast reconstruction at Barnes Jewish Hospital are eligible.

Not a fit: Non-English speakers are excluded and patients who already have extensive prior knowledge of DIEP reconstruction or who decline the video may not experience benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the video could improve patient understanding and reduce preoperative anxiety, helping patients have clearer expectations about the procedure and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Educational and animated videos in surgical care have previously shown improvements in patient understanding and anxiety in other populations, though DIEP-specific evidence is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled to have DIEP-flap breast reconstruction at Barnes Jewish Hospital
* Speak English
* ≥ 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking are excluded as the consent, questionnaires, and video are only available in English.

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerPre-operative anxietyPatient understandingBreast reconstructionDIEP flap
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.