Development and Implementation of an Audiovisual Informed Consent Delivery System for Non-surgical Root Canal Therapy

Abstract

The aims of this mixed-methods study were (1) to explore patients' preferences towards informed consent for endodontic procedures, (2) to use focus group feedback to develop short audiovisual presentations, and (3) to determine whether the audiovisual format lead to a different level of understanding than traditional consent. First was a focus group to assess patient expectations and attitudes towards consent for non-surgical root canal therapy (NSRCT). Second was developing two short audiovisual presentations. Finally a clinical trial tested the videos with 50 patients at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. A questionnaire was used to assess patient preferences, comprehension, and recall of the consent and analyzed. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of recall, comprehension, understanding, or attitudes. Nonetheless, the data collected may be useful to restructure informed consent procedures for NSRCT and set a precedent for innovative consenting procedures.