Preparation for elective colorectal surgery using a video: a questionnaire-based observational study

OBJECTIVE Every patient has a perception about surgery and psychological preparation of the patient has an important impact on their postoperative recovery and outcome. In this study we looked at impact of a visual educational aid, in the form of a patient DVD on outcome following colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme (ERP). DESIGN We carried out a prospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. All patients were given information about their operation in a clinic setting. Our intervention included a 15 minute patient educational video describing the preoperative assessment, post-operative recovery and advice on discharge. A questionnaire on patients' views of ERP and video education was given on discharge. SETTING University teaching hospital PARTICIPANTS Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes studied included length of hospital stay, patient perception of ERP, postoperative complications and readmissions: RESULTS Thirty-two patients underwent elective colorectal surgery over a 3 month period. Median length of stay in hospital was 5 days. The questionnaire response rate was 100%. All patients thought they were well informed of the enhanced recovery programme. Eighty-eight percent responded that the video information provided about their operation was adequate, with 28% finding the video very helpful and more useful than other forms of patient information. There were no major postoperative complications and no readmissions. CONCLUSION Audiovisual presentation in the form of a patient video is a useful tool in the psychological preparation of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.