Benefits of using a digital video disk for providing information about abortion to women requesting termination of pregnancy

BackgroundA patient information digital video disk (DVD) on abortion was produced for use in a hospital abortion service (Scotland) for women requesting termination of pregnancy.Study DesignSelf-administered anonymous surveys of patients and clinic staff (doctors and nurses), before and after introduction of the DVD, was conducted.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 106 patients before introduction of the DVD and by 100 patients and 20 staff following its introduction. Patient satisfaction (score out of 10) with information received was significantly higher following introduction of DVD (mean, 9.2 vs. 8.3, with and without DVD, respectively; p<.001). Women liked the DVD's clear explanations (65% responses, n=35), and staff felt women were better informed (56.6% responses, n=13) and that it liberated time to discuss specific concerns and contraception (26.1%, n=6).ConclusionsThe DVD provided high-quality information for women requesting abortion and resulted in staff having more time to discuss patient concerns and contraception.