B.07 An educational video improves consent in pediatric lumbar puncture: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Background: Lumbar puncture (LP) is a low-risk procedure performed on pediatric patients for a variety of indications. There are no published studies of the nature of the concerns of parents in North America, and no studies examining a process to improve pediatric lumbar puncture consent. Methods: 72 patient-parent dyads were enrolled in a randomized control trial to receive standard consent with or without an educational video. A survey was provided to determine parent self-rated understanding of the procedure, their perception of its safety, their perception of the painfulness and their overall comfort with their child undergoing LP. In addition, demographic characteristics and qualitative information about parent concerns were collected. Results: Viewing the video significantly increased parent understanding of the procedure (p=0.015) and their perception of its safety (p=0.021) compared to controls. Parent comfort with the procedure increased after viewing the video (p = 0.002). Variability of answers was reduced in the video group (p = 0.03). Parents’ top three concerns were pain, infection, and neurologic injury. Conclusions: Pediatric lumbar puncture consent can be significantly improved with a short educational video to address the parental concerns and standardize consent.