Background: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and most are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) by fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeons. Complex reconstruction in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas often requires a plastic surgery consult. The uncertainty regarding reconstructive options and cosmetic appearance is difficult emotionally and cognitively for patients.
Objectives: To improve patient understanding about MMS reconstruction with plastic surgeons, we investigated the utility of a multimedia presentation during perioperative education.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at a hospital-affiliated outpatient MMS clinic and surgery center in the United States. Patients in the intervention arm were given a tablet or Web site link to watch a multimedia presentation about reconstruction after MMS. All patients were given a questionnaire about their understanding of MMS reconstruction and satisfaction with the reconstructive care they received.
Results: A total of 46 patients were recruited for the study and completed the questionnaire. Of these patients, 22 were randomized to the test intervention arm, and the remaining 24 were in the control group. Among participants in the test intervention arm, feedback regarding the platform was positive with more than 90% of patients reporting that the video was engaging, useful, and easy to understand. Patient understanding and satisfaction scores in the test intervention arm ranked higher across all domains than those of the control group.
Conclusions: This randomized clinical trial showed increases in patient understanding and satisfaction among patients undergoing MMS reconstruction with the implementation of a perioperative educational video.
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