An assessment of provider satisfaction with the use of a standardized visual aid for informed consent for appendectomy in children

Purpose: We previously validated a visual aid for the use in the consent process for an appendectomy showing improved parental satisfaction and understanding. In this study, we evaluated provider satisfaction and perceived value of using the visual aid. Methods: An IRB approved survey was developed assessing provider experience with use of the visual aid. This was distributed and analyzed via Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCap) Database. Results: We administered 58 surveys (45% response rate). Participants included faculty (n = 2), fellows (n = 1), residents (n = 6), and physician assistants (n = 17). The visual aid was used > 10 times by 50% of providers. The most common reason for not using the visual aid was not remembering it was available. Nearly half (40%) did not feel the visual aid added any time. 9/20 (45%) felt it added a small amount of time. Slightly over half of providers (52%) felt using the visual aid significantly increased family ability to give informed consent and made the consenting process easier for both providers and families. Conclusion: Using a visual aid in consenting families for appendectomy does not add significant time and subjectively improves the process for providers and increases provider perception of parental understanding. Level of Evidence: Cost effectiveness, Level IV.