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 .
The Benefits of an Interactive, Individualized Online Patient Pathway for Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Radioguided Parathyroidectomy: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial
Aim . This study determined the usefulness of an interactive , individualized online patient pathway to patients undergoing elective operation for nonmalignant disease . Methods . An exploratory double-blind , prospect i ve r and omized controlled trial was established involving consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy ( MIRP ) .  A total of 64 patients were r and omly assigned to either a st and ard or an enhanced Web site ( interactive with detailed , personalized timeline ) . Each patient completed vali date d Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale question naires preoperatively and pain assessment s and question naires concerning Web site usefulness postoperatively . Results . All patients found their Web site useful , although patient satisfaction was significantly higher with the enhanced Web site in regard to overall impression as well as ease , organization , usefulness , and specificity of information . There were no significant differences in mean anxiety or pain scores , in analgesia requirements , or adequacy of informed consent . Conclusion . Providing education and information through a tailored Web server is viewed positively by patients
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 .