Randomized controlled trial of a video-based educational platform prior to in-person vasectomy consult

Abstract

We performed a randomized-control trial to assess the impact of a video-based educational platform (VEP) on the pre-consult knowledge and post-consult satisfaction of patients presenting for vasectomy consultation. Between December 2022–2023, 39 patients were randomized on an alternating basis to receive either access to a VEP before their vasectomy consult (n = 18) or an in-person consult only (n = 21)(standard of care [SOC]). The VEP was created in partnership with EngagedMD, and consisted of 6 videos (total of 7 min) with mandatory checkpoint questions. A 10-question assessment was given prior to the start of the vasectomy consultation, and custom Likert-scale surveys were given after the consultation. Age, level of education, and marital status were not statistically different between the groups. The VEP group scored higher on the baseline knowledge assessment compared to the SOC group (90% vs 60%, p = <0.001). 100% of patients agreed the VEP helped educate them on the risks and benefits of vasectomy. 94.1% of patients endorsed that the VEP enhanced their ability to converse with the medical team. Compared to the SOC group, the VEP group had higher median composite survey scores regarding comfort with procedure decision-making, clinical expectations, and overall care satisfaction (34 vs 31, p = 0.004).