JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In recent years, telehealth has gained popularity as a means of delivering healthcare services. As telehealth continues to evolve, it is crucial to assess its effectiveness in comparison to traditional in-person healthcare interactions. This study aimed to evaluate the comprehension and decision-making of patients in the context of informed consent visits conducted through telehealth and compare them to in-person visits.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving patients scheduled for informed consent visits in both telehealth and in-person settings. Participants were randomly assigned to either the telehealth group or the in-person group. Comprehension was assessed through standardized tests, and decision-making was evaluated using structured scenarios. Data on demographic variables and prior experience with telehealth were also collected. Statistical analysis was employed to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

Results:

The results indicated that patients in the telehealth group demonstrated comparable levels of comprehension and decision-making skills to those in the in-person group. Demographic variables and prior telehealth experience did not significantly influence the outcomes. These findings suggest that telehealth can be an effective platform for conducting informed consent visits without compromising patient comprehension or decision-making. Discussion: The findings of this study have important implications for the integration of telehealth into healthcare practices, particularly in the context of informed consent processes. While further research is warranted to explore other aspects of telehealth delivery, the current study provides valuable insights into the feasibility of conducting informed consent visits via telehealth. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider these results when formulating guidelines and protocols for telehealth utilization in informed consent procedures.