Louis Morel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adam DeFoe MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Johanna Schubert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Attila Csordas MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sean David Pietrini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Shawn Stone, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

According to the United States Institute of Medicine, nearly half of all American adults have limited health literacy, limiting their participation in the informed consent process.When studied, up to forty-five percent of patients are unable to recall the major risks of surgery or know the exact nature of their operation. This lack of true informed consent can be a basis for malpractice cases and increases the chances of patient safety incidents or medical error. To address this issue we created tablet-ready, image rich point-of-care presentations to use while obtaining informed consent for IR procedures.

Attendings and residents collaborated to create tablet-ready informed consent presentations for commonly performed IR procedures (port placement, percutaneous biopsy, IVC filter, etc) using Microsoft PowerPoint displayed in PDF format. Procedures are explained with the help of images and diagrams, and the risks, common complications and their percentage likelihood clearly displayed with references. QR codes are built into the presentation to allow for quick lookup of additional videos or literature.

Image rich tablet based consent improves the patients understanding of the procedure's details, risks and benefits, and also serves as a checklist for the provider. Referenced, up-to-date data regarding risks and outcome builds trust between the physician and patient. Residents and attendings enjoy continued success with the pre-made presentations as response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients were able to ask more in depth questions regarding the procedure proving their improved level of understanding and engagement. While we used an iPad mini due to it's white coat pocket size compatibility, this platform can adapt to any tablet. The added benefit of internet access allows one easy access to online images. Informational videos can also easily be added and displayed.

Informed consent is vital to every IR procedure. Unfortunately, truly informed patients are not the norm due to limited health literacy. We embraced tablet technology to assist in the informed consent process and have enjoyed positive results with better informed patients.

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Morel, L, DeFoe, A, Schubert, J, Csordas, A, Pietrini, S, Stone, S, Informed Consent: A New Model for Patient Education.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14009468.html