Effectiveness of motion-graphic video for informed consent in patients undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND

Audiovisual tools are increasingly used in healthcare to improve patient education and engagement. However, few studies, particularly in dermatology, have evaluated their effectiveness in enhancing patient understanding during the informed consent process. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a motion-graphic educational video with conventional verbal consent for patients undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, participants aged 18-55 years with AGA were recruited at the Dermatology Clinic, Walailak University Hospital, between December 2024 and March 2025. Participants were randomized to receive informed consent through either an educational video (Group A) or a conventional verbal explanation (Group B). Pre- and post-intervention knowledge and anxiety levels were assessed, and satisfaction was evaluated in Group A.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants completed the study (73.5% male; median age: 39.5 years, IQR: 23.0). Median baseline knowledge and anxiety scores were 0.0 (IQR: 2.0) and 6.0 (IQR: 3.0), respectively. Post-intervention knowledge scores increased significantly in both groups (Group A: 9.0, IQR: 1.0; Group B: 7.0, IQR: 2.0; p < 0.001), with a greater knowledge gain in Group A (8.0, IQR: 3.0) compared to Group B (6.0, IQR: 2.0; p = 0.009). Anxiety scores remained unchanged in both groups. Group A reported a high usefulness score for the video (median, 10.0; IQR, 1.0). No significant correlations were found between demographic factors and baseline knowledge or anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The motion-graphic educational video improved patient knowledge compared with conventional verbal explanations, without reducing anxiety. Participants reported high satisfaction, supporting the use of audiovisual media as an effective adjunct to the informed consent process.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20241222004, identifier TCTR20241222004.