Patient education in Mohs surgery: a review and critical evaluation of techniques

FATE: The Effect of Fetal Antenatal Testing Education on Patient Knowledge and Satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a physician-created educational infographic on the knowledge and attitudes of patients undergoing antenatal fetal surveillance.

STUDY DESIGN

 This single-center prospective cohort study evaluated the impact of implementing an electronic educational infographic about antenatal fetal surveillance. English-speaking women receiving antenatal surveillance between the ages of 18 to 50 years were approached for inclusion. The preimplementation group enrolled women receiving antenatal surveillance between March 8, 2021, and April 2, 2021, who received usual care. Postimplementation, from April 5 to May 6, 2021, patients at our site received the infographic about antenatal fetal surveillance at their first antenatal testing appointment. Both pre- and postimplementation groups received a 5-question multiple-choice knowledge and 12-question attitude survey between 320/7 to 336/7 weeks at baseline (prior to receipt of infographic in postimplementation group) and again between 350/7 to 366/7 weeks. Patients were included in the analysis only if they completed both surveys. Differences from initial to final survey were compared between groups.

RESULTS

 Of 106 patients who completed the initial survey, 74 (69.8%) participants finished both surveys (preimplementation = 39 and postimplementation = 35). There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups, including in baseline knowledge (p = 0.58) or attitude tests (p = 0.57). There was no significant difference in knowledge on final surveys between groups (p = 0.79). However, utilization of the infographic was associated with a significant increase in attitude survey score from initial to final survey in the postimplementation group as compared with usual care (median difference: pre = 0, interquartile rang [IQR]: [-1 to +4] vs. post = +3, IQR: [+1 to +6], p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

 A physician-created infographic on antepartum fetal testing was associated with overall improved patient attitude toward fetal testing, showing that small education interventions can increase patient satisfaction with care.

KEY POINTS

· A physician-created, readable, and patient-oriented education resource is feasible.. · Infographic patient-education materials do not change patient knowledge about antenatal testing.. · Infographic patient-education materials can improve patient attitude toward antenatal testing..

Decision Making in Nasal Reconstruction: When to Use the Forehead Flap?

In this review, the paramedian forehead flap indications and uses are reviewed, specifically examining clinical situations where patient selection is important. In these settings, a preoperative discussion with a patient regarding surgical expectations and goals in the setting of their defect is paramount. The authors review the literature regarding the psychosocial aspects of major nasal reconstruction and review preoperative discussion points that are key to a well-informed patient and improved patient satisfaction through the nasal reconstructive process.

Effect of a Perioperative Educational Video in Patients Undergoing Mohs Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and most are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) by fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeons. Complex reconstruction in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas often requires a plastic surgery consult. The uncertainty regarding reconstructive options and cosmetic appearance is difficult emotionally and cognitively for patients.

OBJECTIVES

To improve patient understanding about MMS reconstruction with plastic surgeons, we investigated the utility of a multimedia presentation during perioperative education.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted at a hospital-affiliated outpatient MMS clinic and surgery center in the United States. Patients in the intervention arm were given a tablet or Web site link to watch a multimedia presentation about reconstruction after MMS. All patients were given a questionnaire about their understanding of MMS reconstruction and satisfaction with the reconstructive care they received.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were recruited for the study and completed the questionnaire. Of these patients, 22 were randomized to the test intervention arm, and the remaining 24 were in the control group. Among participants in the test intervention arm, feedback regarding the platform was positive with more than 90% of patients reporting that the video was engaging, useful, and easy to understand. Patient understanding and satisfaction scores in the test intervention arm ranked higher across all domains than those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized clinical trial showed increases in patient understanding and satisfaction among patients undergoing MMS reconstruction with the implementation of a perioperative educational video.

Teledermatology in the time of COVID-19

AIMS

The enormous spread of the novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19) represents a challenge to dermatological practice. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible role of teledermatology in facing this challenge. In this article, we aimed to give a general overview of teledermatology in terms of models of practice, modes of delivery, advantages, limitations, ethical considerations and legislative challenges as well as discussing, using examples from literature, how dermatological practice can benefit from teledermatology during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Teledermatology could be an accessible, accurate and cost-effective substitute for conventional face-to-face dermatological consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, teledermatology practice needs updated legislation and guidelines. More efforts should be done to encourage dermatologists, especially in underserved communities, to provide teledermatology services. Ethical issues and data security related to teledermatology have to be considered.