NCT06528509

AI-Enhanced Consent for Cataract Surgery

An Artificial-intelligence-powered Intervention to Aid the Informed Consent Process for Cataract Surgery for English Speaking and Bengali Speaking Patient Population Groups: A Mixed-methods Randomised Control Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This research focuses on enhancing the informed process for patients before undergoing cataract surgery. Currently, this process involves verbal discussions and written materials that may not fully address patients' understanding of the surgery, its risks, and benefits. This study aims to introduce an innovative approach using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate informative videos tailored to patients' needs, accounting for education level, ethnicity, and language barriers. Why is this important? Informed consent is not just a legal requirement; but it's a fundamental patient right. Ensuring patients truly understand their treatment options leads to better satisfaction, both from the patient and clinician's perspective. This study compares the effectiveness of AI-generated videos against traditional information delivery methods (information brochures). Patients scheduled for cataract surgery will experience either the new AI video approach or the standard process. The goal is to see if the videos lead to better understanding of the procedure and overall satisfaction. The investigators will be running the study in two parallel cohorts - with Cohort A involving an English speaking population, and Cohort B a Bengali speaking population with all patient facing materials translated into Bengali. This research is crucial for patients seeking clarity about cataract surgery, for doctors aiming to improve patient care, and for researchers exploring patient education innovations. Funded by the Medical Protection Society (MPS), the investigators hope this intervention has broader effects such as reducing the number of complaints and litigations, improving the efficiency of consenting for surgery and delivering information, and improving theatre utilisation by reducing last minute cancellations.

Detailed description

Background and Rationale Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the NHS, yet the process of obtaining informed consent remains a significant challenge. Traditional methods of informed consent, primarily involving verbal discussions and written materials, often fail to ensure that patients fully understand the surgery, its risks, and benefits. This is especially problematic for patients with limited health literacy, language barriers, or other socioeconomic factors that affect their ability to comprehend complex medical information. Objectives The primary objective of this study is to enhance the informed consent process for cataract surgery by using artificial intelligence (AI) to create personalized informative videos. These videos will be tailored to meet the specific needs of patients, taking into account their educational levels, language preferences, and cultural backgrounds. The AI-generated videos will be compared against traditional information delivery methods, such as verbal briefings and written brochures, to assess their effectiveness in improving patient understanding, satisfaction, and reducing anxiety. Study Design This study will be conducted with two cohorts, each targeting different patient demographics to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the AI intervention. Cohort A: Focus on English-proficient patients. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the AI-generated video and the other receiving standard written brochures. Cohort B: Expand to a Bengali speaking population with limited English proficiency. Same randomized design as Cohort A. Methods Participants will be recruited from Moorfields Eye Hospital and will include 100 patients in each cohort. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative Measures: A multiple-choice questionnaire will assess patient understanding of the surgery. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will measure patient anxiety levels. Time and motion studies will track the duration of information delivery and consent confirmation processes. Cancellation rates and incidence of complaints or litigations will be recorded. Qualitative Measures: Semi-structured interviews will explore patient experiences with the information delivery methods, their engagement with digital tools, and their overall satisfaction with the consent process. Anticipated Benefits: * Improved patient understanding of cataract surgery, leading to higher satisfaction and reduced anxiety. * Potential reduction in surgery cancellations and complaints, improving overall theatre utilization. * Enhanced clinician satisfaction by streamlining the consent process and reducing the likelihood of malpractice claims. Ethical Considerations: The study will ensure that all AI-generated content is rigorously reviewed for accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Participants will be informed about the AI nature of the videos, and all data will be handled in compliance with GDPR regulations to ensure confidentiality and security. All materials in Cohort B will be checked by a native Bengali speaker with a medical background. The investigators will be using a validated Bengali translation of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Dissemination Strategy Findings from the study will be disseminated through various channels, including academic publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and reports to relevant healthcare authorities. The results will also be shared with participants and the broader public through social media and community engagement initiatives.

Conditions

• Cataract

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	AI-Generated Informative Videos	Participants in the experimental arm will receive an AI-generated video designed to provide comprehensive information about cataract surgery. The video will cover key aspects of the procedure, including the nature of the surgery, potential risks, benefits, and postoperative care. The video will be produced in English for Cohort A, and translated into Bengali for Cohort B. The video will be delivered to participants via a secure link sent to their mobile devices or email. Patients can watch the video at their convenience, and they are encouraged to view it as many times as necessary to fully understand the information provided. The video link will be provided once after the initial clinic appointment, but patients can access and watch the video multiple times. The videos will be created using the Synthesia platform, which uses artificial intelligence to generate realistic, photo-realistic digital avatars that deliver the information in a personalized and engaging manner.
BEHAVIORAL	Standard Written Information Brochures	Participants in the control arm will receive traditional written information brochures about cataract surgery. These brochures are designed to deliver detailed and essential information in a clear and understandable format. The brochures will be handed to participants during their face-to-face clinic appointment. Patients can read the material at their convenience and keep it for future reference. These brochures follow standardized guidelines and recommendations to ensure that all relevant information is included and presented in an accessible manner. The leaflet will be supplied in English for Cohort A, and Bengali for Cohort B.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-11
• Primary completion: 2025-09-11
• Completion: 2026-09-11
• First posted: 2024-07-30
• Last updated: 2024-07-30

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: United Kingdom