Assessing Patient Satisfaction and Confidence After Use of Educational Video to Augment Surgical Consent for Thyroid Surgery

BEHAVIORAL

Thyroid Informed Surgical Consent Augmenting Video (TISCAV)

Participants randomized to the intervention group will receive a surgeon-created Thyroid Informed Surgical Consent Augmenting Video (TISCAV). This 8-minute video includes animated visuals and a surgeon voiceover explaining thyroid anatomy, surgical options (lobectomy vs. total thyroidectomy), risks, benefits, and expectations. The TISCAV was designed and reviewed by an endocrine surgery team to improve patient comprehension, confidence, satisfaction, and reduce decision regret compared to standard verbal consent alone.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard Consent

Participants receiving the Standard Consent intervention will undergo the routine informed consent process for thyroid surgery provided by their surgeon. This process includes a verbal discussion covering thyroidectomy procedure details, potential risks and complications, benefits, alternatives such as active surveillance, and an opportunity to ask questions.

Patient knowledge score using a 10-item internally validated Thyroid Surgery Knowledge Assessment

Time frame: Immediately after study enrollment (pre-consent) and immediately following the surgical consent process (post-consent)

This outcome measures patient knowledge of thyroid surgery, including indications, procedural options, risks, and benefits. A 10-question internally developed and validated multiple-choice questionnaire will be administered before and after the informed consent process. Each correct answer is scored as 1 point, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate greater understanding and retention of surgical information.

Decisional Conflict Score using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS)

Time frame: Preoperatively (after the consent process and before surgery)

This outcome measures patient uncertainty and confidence related to thyroid surgery decision-making using the validated 16-item Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). The DCS evaluates five subdomains: uncertainty, feeling informed, values clarity, support, and perceived effectiveness of the decision. Each item is scored from 0 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree), then standardized to a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores reflect greater decisional conflict and more difficulty with making a decision.

Satisfaction with Decision Score using the Satisfaction with Decision Scale (SDS)

Time frame: Immediately after consent (Preoperative), Postoperative Day 22, and Postoperative Day 100

This outcome assesses patient satisfaction with their decision to undergo thyroid surgery using the validated 6-item Satisfaction with Decision Scale (SDS). Each item is scored from 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), with a total score ranging from 6 to 30. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with the decision-making process and outcome.

Decision Regret Score using the Decision Regret Scale (DRS)

Time frame: Postoperative Day 22 and Postoperative Day 100

This outcome evaluates postoperative regret related to undergoing thyroid surgery using the validated 5-item Decision Regret Scale (DRS). Each item is scored from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree), with scores converted to a 0-100 scale. Higher scores reflect greater decision regret.

Anxiety Score using the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A)

Time frame: Immediately after consent (Preoperative), Postoperative Day 22, and Postoperative Day 100

This outcome measures patients' current level of anxiety using the validated Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), a single-item scale presented as a 100 mm line ranging from "calm" to "anxious." Participants place a mark on the scale reflecting their current state. The score is recorded as a number from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.