Video versus traditional informed consent for neonatal circumcision

Aim: To determine if videotapes about newborn circumcision would be superior to traditional physician ‘informed consent’ discussion for maternal knowledge, satisfaction and perception of provider bias. Design/methods: A convenience sample of mothers interested in or undecided about circumcision was randomized to watch a video on: (i) circumcision risks/benefits (‘Video‐Plus’ n = 168); or (ii) unrelated material followed by traditional physician risk/benefit discussion (‘Standard‐MD’ n = 136). Questionnaires were administered during hospitalization and subsequent telephone interviews. Statistical differences were analysed by chi‐square and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Most mothers (82%) decided about circumcision prenatally. Fewer mothers perceived bias from the video vs. physicians [1.1% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.04]. Composite knowledge (correct of 10 answers) [ (SD) 6.5 (2.1) vs. 6.4 (2.1), p = 0.78] or satisfaction [5‐point Likert scale, 3.98 (1.50) vs. 3.75 (1.58), p = 0.16] did not differ by group, although more highly educated mothers preferred the video [satisfaction 4.08 (1.01) vs. 2.63 (0.99), p = 0.04]. Significant knowledge gaps existed in both groups. Conclusion: In this setting, no difference in maternal knowledge was found between ‘Video‐Plus’ and traditional informed consent although more highly educated mothers preferred the video. Better ways to achieve understanding of risks and benefits for this elective procedure should be sought.