The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of adding an audiovisual presentation to the standard consent process in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery. The hypothesis of the research is that the audiovisual presentation will enhance informed consent in the elderly patient. Consent to clinical intervention or treatment is informed when individuals understand the purpose, process, risks, benefits and alternatives to a proposed intervention and make a free and voluntary decision about whether or not to participate. Audiovisual presentations have been found to be easier to understand and can present complicated information in a simple fashion. This can allow the patient to have realistic expectations about the benefits and potential complications of the surgery. It is reported that up to 60% of patients feel that they did not receive an adequate explanation of their surgery. In this study, patients who receive the standard consent process will be compared with patients who take part in the video-assisted consent. The two groups of patients will receive the same information, just presented in different ways. The outcomes of particular interest are the effects on the level of patient satisfaction with the consent process and the patient’s ability to recall details about their procedure. Questionnaires will be filled out by patients following surgery in order to assess the patient’s level of satisfaction with the consent method, their degree of recall in regards to indication for the surgery, complications, risks and alternative options to the procedure.
