Using the EngagedMD multimedia platform to improve informed consent for ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE

To study patient and provider feedback on how a multimedia platform (EngagedMD) helps patients to understand the risks and consequences of in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation induction (OI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments and the impact of the informed consent process.

DESIGN

Prospective survey study.

SETTING

IVF units in the United States.

PATIENT(S): Six-thousand three-hundred and thirty-three patients who viewed the multimedia platform before IVF or OI-IUI treatment at 13 U.S. IVF centers and 128 providers.

INTERVENTION(S): Quantitative survey with 17 questions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Assessment of the impact of a multimedia platform on patient anxiety, comprehension, and satisfaction and provider/nurse feedback related to the informed consent process.

RESULT(S): The survey was completed by 3,097 respondents (66% IVF treatment; 34% OI-IUI treatment) and 44 providers. Overall, 93% felt the media platform was intuitive, and 90% and 95% felt it had appropriate duration and detail, respectively. Most agreed/strongly agreed it better prepared them to consent (88%), increased their comfort in pursuing treatment (77%) and increased their satisfaction with their care (83%). Compared with the OI-IUI group, statistically significantly more participants who viewed the IVF media platform strongly agreed that the comprehension questions reinforced key concepts (47% vs. 40%), educated them about treatment risks (55% vs. 44%), helped them ask providers informed questions (45% vs. 36%), and better prepared them to sign consent forms (46% vs. 37%). Overall, 63% of providers felt that the media platform improved patient learning, made patients more accountable, and standardized information dissemination.

CONCLUSION(S): The EngagedMD media platform improves patient knowledge, satisfaction, and control over medical decision making and better prepares patients to give informed consent. Furthermore, it is well-liked by providers and is easily implemented.