Evaluation of a preoperative multimedia information program in surgical oncology

Aim We report on the design, validation and evaluation of a DVD for patient information in a department of surgical oncology. Patients and method DVDs provided the patient with information about the anatomy, surgical techniques and post-operative complications on digestive cancers, oral cavity and breast tumours. After surgery a questionnaire was sent to the patients in order to evaluate their level of satisfaction and opinion regarding the pre-operative information they had been given. Results One hundred and eight patients were invited to watch the DVD. Seventy-one percent of the patients considered that viewing the DVD had been positive and encouraging and 83% of all the patients would recommend its use. Among the 14 patients who experienced complications, only 21% declared having been well informed by the DVD and only 12% considered they were better prepared to face those complications. Conclusions DVD based information systems are valuable and acceptable to patients, but the presentation of complications needs to be improved.