• Young-Seok Lee, Dae-Chul Cho, Joo-Kyung Sung, Inbo Han, Chi Heon Kim, Ji-Yoon Kim, and Kyoung-Tae Kim.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Republic of Korea.
• Spine. 2020 Feb 1; 45 (3): 193-200.

Study DesignProspective observational cohort study.ObjectiveIn this study, an educational and interactive informed consent (EIC) program was proposed for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL-CSM) to improve their comprehension level during the informed consent process.Summary Of Background DataOPLL-CSM is a slow progressive disease, and it is difficult for patients to understand the disease. Few studies have evaluated very specific programs to improve the informed consent process for these patients.MethodsThis prospective study evaluated patients with OPLL-CSM who either underwent the proposed EIC process (n = 63) or the standard consent process (n = 124). The standard consent process only included a physician-patient interview. During the EIC process, information was provided regarding OPLL-CSM through information booklets, a video, verbal information, and initial and second physician-patient interviews. After the second physician-patient interview, the patient was requested to answer 14 medical questions to assess their knowledge about OPLL-CSM. The proposed EIC process took approximately 90 minutes. They were asked to report the most useful educational method and the most effective method of reinforcing verbal communication.ResultsThe mean questionnaire scores were higher in the EIC group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Video was selected by 50/63 patients (79.4%) as the most useful EIC process method, and the most effective method of reinforcing verbal communication was video (n = 61; 96.8%). Patients in the EIC group reported having higher satisfaction with surgery (P = 0.024) than did those in the control group.ConclusionThe proposed EIC process was shown to result in good patient comprehension and recall regarding OPLL-CSM. Using a video was the most informative and effective reinforcement of verbal communication. The enhanced educational group had better knowledge and improved satisfaction following surgery. The EIC process might help physicians educate and counsel patients regarding OPLL-CSM and its treatment.Level Of Evidence2.

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