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. 2022 Mar 5;16:12. doi: 10.1186/s13037-022-00322-z

Table 2.

Results from trials of verbal discussion with test/feedback or teach-back interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent. These studies constitute the available literature on teach-back in surgical informed consent. Adapted from Glaser et al. 2020 [64]

Procedure Intervention Results Reference
Spinal Stenosis Surgery Routine, preoperative education followed by a “Knowledge Test Feedback Intervention” Improved performance on knowledge test at admission, discharge, and at six months post-operation. [65]
Carotid endarterectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, radical prostatectomy, and total hip arthroplasty Web-based tool with a knowledge check and a period for clarification before signing consent. Total mean comprehension scores for all operations were 71.4% intervention vs. 68.2% control, P = 0.03 tested immediately after intervention [66]
Various elective surgeries A questionnaire was given immediately after informed consent with a teach-back component to assess time for a decision, satisfaction consent, and information provided about the proposed surgery (e.g., indications, benefits, risks, and alternatives). Patients reported high satisfaction with teach-back during surgical informed consent. Teach-back is not detrimental to the consent process and may improve informed consent for surgery. [67]