Development of an Interactive Application for Enhancing ‘Informed’ Consent for Colorectal Surgery

Mahmoud ABDELDAYEM1, Louise OSGOOD1, David BROWN2, Umar SHARIFF3 and PN HARAY1,4

1Prince Charles Hospital – 2DigiMed Medical Media – 3The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital – 4University of South WalesUnited Kingdom

BACKGROUNDInformed consent is a legal and ethical requirement for any investigation or treatment. The complexity

of colorectal surgery can sometimes make it challenging to explain operative procedures in an easily

understandable way to patients, without causing undue fear. In addition to good communication skills,

the consenting process can be enhanced by using good quality illustrations.

AIMTo provide an interactive tool to facilitate

obtaining informed consent in colorectal

surgery.

RESULTS• The app has been available free of cost through iTunes® since 2013 and there have been over

5,000 downloads worldwide.

• In our department, the app is an integral part of the consent process. It has also proved valuable as

a training tool for junior doctors and nurses.

• A recent evaluation of the usefulness of this product revealed that both patients and staff were very

satisfied with the application.

CONCLUSIONInformed consent for major colorectal procedures will

continue to be a challenge, with the potential for

improvements and developments for years to come.

The ‘Common Colorectal Procedures' application

has proved to be one such useful innovation.

CONTACTProfessor PN Haray

Consultant Colorectal SurgeonEmail: profpn.haray@wales.nhs.uk

Anatomy 360

Procedures

METHODS & MATERIALSThe ‘Common Colorectal Procedures' app focuses on tumour specific colorectal operations.

Interactive features include:

• Anatomical relations (arteries, veins and lymphatic system)

• Stages of procedures demonstrating tumour removal and anastomosis or stoma formation

Diagrammatic representation has been used rather than true anatomical pictures so as not to cause

concern for patients.

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