Effectiveness of Audiovisual Versus Written Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Minor Hand Procedures

Outcomes of hand surgery are greatly dependent on factors outside the operating theater as well. These include patient compliance to preoperative instructions that consist of proper surgical site care, proper positioning, and following occupational therapy protocols. Previous studies have shown that video-based information provide greater patient satisfaction than verbal instructions. Visual information was also reported to decrease patient anxiety regarding the procedure and increases patient education in terms of procedure risks and benefits(1-5). The utility and effectiveness of video-based instructions (VBI) versus standard written instructions was not previously investigated in hand surgery; thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual instruction as compared to regular verbal instructions given to patients undergoing common hand procedures, including instruction recall and compliance, patient education, patient satisfaction with the information given, patient satisfaction with operative experience. The secondary objective is to evaluate if VBI result in better outcomes than standard written instructions.

Inclusion criteria

Please ensure that ALL items below are satisfied to be included in the study.

• Patient undergoing hand and/or upper extremity surgery with Dr. Thibaudeau
• Patient ≥ 18 years old
• Patient who comprehends instructions provided in English and/or French
• Patient who can navigate the internet to complete an online post-operative questionnaire

Exclusion criteria

Please ensure that NONE of the following items are selected to be included in the study.

• Patient presenting with intra-articular, open, or pathological fractures
• Patient presenting with associated tendon or nerve injuries
• Patient receiving definitive surgery ≥21 days after injury
• Patient with previous surgeries/deformity in the hand
• Patient with pre-existing severe joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis, finger joint stiffness, or non-union)
• Patient with medical contraindications to surgery
• Patient who is unable to comply with rehabilitation
• Patient who is unwilling to be followed up
• Patient with dementia
• Patient with significant mental illness
• Patient who is unable to provide informed consent