We have identified efforts by research ers to investigate interventions which seek to improve information delivery and consideration of information to enhance  informed consent .
The interventions used consistently improve patient knowledge , an important prerequisite for informed consent .
This is encouraging and these measures could be widely employed although we are not able to say with confidence which types of interventions are preferable .
Our results should be interpreted with caution due to the high levels of heterogeneity associated with many of the main analyses although we believe there is broad evidence of beneficial outcomes for patients with the pragmatic application of interventions .
BACKGROUND Achieving informed consent is a core clinical procedure and is required before any surgical or invasive procedure is undertaken .
However , it is a complex process which requires patients be provided with information which they can underst and and retain , opportunity to consider their options , and to be able to express their opinions and ask questions .
There is evidence that at present some patients undergo procedures without informed consent being achieved .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on patients , clinicians and the healthcare system of interventions to promote informed consent for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive healthcare treatments and procedures .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Informed consent is an important ethical and practical part of patient care .
Interactive Digital Education Aid in Breast Reconstruction  
Background : An interactive digital education aid for breast reconstruction patients was developed because of a perceived need to provide patients with more education regarding the treatment so that they can make better informed treatment decisions . A prospect i ve r and omized study was conducted to assess its effectiveness . Methods : Breast cancer patients who were c and i date s for breast reconstruction were recruited and r and omized into a control group and a study group . Both groups received routine assessment and education in the plastic surgery clinic , but the study group also watched the interactive digital education aid .  Question naires assessing knowledge , anxiety , and satisfaction were administered ( 1 ) before the initial plastic surgery consultation , ( 2 ) immediately before surgery , and ( 3 ) 1 month after surgery . Results : A total of 133 women participated , 66 in the control group and 67 in the study group . Women in both groups showed decreased anxiety , increased knowledge , and enhanced satisfaction with their decision-making ability associated with preoperative instructions about reconstructive surgery . However , the study group was significantly more satisfied than the control group with the method of receiving information and showed a less steep learning curve regarding the different techniques of breast reconstruction . They also tended to have a reduced mean level of anxiety and increased satisfaction with the treatment choice compared with the control group . Conclusions : An interactive digital education aid is a beneficial educational adjunct for patients contemplating breast reconstruction . Patients who use an interactive digital education aid demonstrate greater factual knowledge , reduced anxiety , and increased postoperative satisfaction compared with patients given preoperative instructions using st and ard methods alone . The benefit of an interactive digital education aid is expected to be higher in a broad-based practice setting outside of a comprehensive cancer center
We have identified efforts by research ers to investigate interventions which seek to improve information delivery and consideration of information to enhance  informed consent .
The interventions used consistently improve patient knowledge , an important prerequisite for informed consent .
This is encouraging and these measures could be widely employed although we are not able to say with confidence which types of interventions are preferable .
Our results should be interpreted with caution due to the high levels of heterogeneity associated with many of the main analyses although we believe there is broad evidence of beneficial outcomes for patients with the pragmatic application of interventions .
BACKGROUND Achieving informed consent is a core clinical procedure and is required before any surgical or invasive procedure is undertaken .
However , it is a complex process which requires patients be provided with information which they can underst and and retain , opportunity to consider their options , and to be able to express their opinions and ask questions .
There is evidence that at present some patients undergo procedures without informed consent being achieved .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on patients , clinicians and the healthcare system of interventions to promote informed consent for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive healthcare treatments and procedures .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Informed consent is an important ethical and practical part of patient care .