PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Alison May Berner
AU  - Claudia Craven
AU  - Faidra Laskou
AU  - Irene Baudracco
AU  - Neil Graham
AU  - Cath Mummery
AU  - Gordon Ingle
TI  - Quality improvement: audio-visual tools are a valuable supplement when obtaining consent for lumbar punctures
AID  - 10.7861/futurehosp.3-3-161
DP  - 2016 Oct 01
TA  - Future Hospital Journal
PG  - 161--164
VI  - 3
IP  - 3
4099  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/3/3/161.short
4100  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/3/3/161.full
SO  - Future Hosp J2016 Oct 01; 3
AB  - Neurological conditions present a challenge when obtaining consent for lumbar punctures (LPs), as patients often have ­visual, hearing or cognitive impairments. The aim of this ­project was to improve the quality of the consent process for LPs. Surveys of doctors and patients suggested there was scope to standardise and improve information provided during the consent process. A patient information video was ­developed using online software and shown to patients using tablet ­computers. Patient surveys were distributed to re-assess the quality of the process for obtaining consent. There was a ­significant improvement (p=0.031) in the median response score after the video was presented to the same group of patients. The use of patient information videos ­significantly improves understanding and recall of the procedure, and ­satisfaction with the consent process. In conclusion, audio-­visual tools are a valuable tool for standardising and ­improving the process of gaining consent for LPs.