Table 2 Results from trials of verbal discussion with test/feedback or teach-back interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent. These studies constitute the available literature on teach-back in surgical informed consent. Adapted from Glaser et al. 2020 [64]

Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Routine, preoperative education followed by a “Knowledge Test Feedback Intervention”

Improved performance on knowledge test at admission, discharge, and at six months post-operation.

[65]

Carotid endarterectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, radical prostatectomy, and total hip arthroplasty

Web-based tool with a knowledge check and a period for clarification before signing consent.

Total mean comprehension scores for all operations were 71.4% intervention vs. 68.2% control, P = 0.03 tested immediately after intervention

[66]

Various elective surgeries

A questionnaire was given immediately after informed consent with a teach-back component to assess time for a decision, satisfaction consent, and information provided about the proposed surgery (e.g., indications, benefits, risks, and alternatives).

Patients reported high satisfaction with teach-back during surgical informed consent. Teach-back is not detrimental to the consent process and may improve informed consent for surgery.

[67]