The use of video information in obtaining consent for female sterilisation: a randomised study.

Abstract

Providing additional information by video in addition to the standard consultation in women requesting sterilisation increases patients' knowledge about the procedure with no change in anxiety levels. Randomised control trial in 6 weeks. Women requesting sterilisation (n = 31). Gynaecology clinics in two teaching hospitals. Comparison of providing additional information by video in addition to the standard consultation with the standard consultation. Patients' knowledge of sterilisation, anxiety levels and acceptance of the video approach. Women receiving video information as well as the standard consultation had significantly higher knowledge scores compared with women only receiving the conventional consultation. Women undergoing a conventional consultation (no video) in a nurse-led dedicated sterilisation clinic had significantly higher knowledge scores than women having their consultation in a general gynaecological clinic. There were no differences in anxiety levels between the groups. Information giving by video was acceptable to the majority of women. Videos are a reliable and consistent method of delivering information to women requesting female sterilisation.