Use of video in the informed consent process

Abstract

We created a video-tape about the concept of telemedicine for informational and educational purposes. Two video-tapes, one with and one without the informed consent segment, were distributed to each of the Kentucky TeleCare sites. On the day of their teleconsultation, patients were asked to watch the video-tape (with the version containing the informed consent segment) before signing the informed consent to participate. Site coordinators then asked patients whether they had any specific questions about telemedicine. To date, patients have reported high levels of satisfaction with this method of consultation, using telecommunications technology to deliver health care.