The use of a preoperative education video among most patients undergoing pelvic surgery did not increase overall patient preparedness; instead, greater preparedness was associated with patient perception of how much time the health care team spent with the patient, but not actual time spent. This according to a randomized controlled trial at a single institution that evaluated the use of a preoperative patient education video as an adjunct to preoperative counseling on patient preparedness. Eligible patients presenting for their preoperative appointment prior to undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery were randomized to watch a preoperative video vs usual care. Researchers found:

• 100 patients were recruited: 52 were randomized to the video group and 48 to the usual care group.
• Use of the video did not increase overall patient preparedness (71.1% with video vs 68.8% usual care) prior to surgery.
• Use of the video did not decrease the amount of time spent during the physician-patient encounter.
• There was a significant association between patient preparedness and perception that the health care team spent sufficient time with the patient (89.5% vs 10.5%); however, no association was observed between preparedness and actual time spent.