Development of an Interactive Application for Enhancing ‘Informed’ Consent for Colorectal Surgery Mahmoud ABDELDAYEM 1 , Louise OSGOOD 1 , David BROWN 2 , Umar SHARIFF 3 and PN HARAY 1,4 1 Prince Charles Hospital – 2 DigiMed Medical Media – 3 The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital – 4 University of South Wales United Kingdom BACKGROUND Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement for any investigation or treatment. The complexity of colorectal surgery can sometimes make it challenging to explain operative procedures in an easily understandable way to patients, without causing undue fear. In addition to good communication skills, the consenting process can be enhanced by using good quality illustrations. AIM To provide an interactive tool to facilitate obtaining informed consent in colorectal surgery. RESULTS • The app has been available free of cost through iTunes® since 2013 and there have been over 5,000 downloads worldwide. • In our department, the app is an integral part of the consent process. It has also proved valuable as a training tool for junior doctors and nurses. • A recent evaluation of the usefulness of this product revealed that both patients and staff were very satisfied with the application. CONCLUSION Informed consent for major colorectal procedures will continue to be a challenge, with the potential for improvements and developments for years to come. The ‘Common Colorectal Procedures' application has proved to be one such useful innovation. CONTACT Professor PN Haray Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Email: [email protected] Anatomy 360 Procedures METHODS & MATERIALS The ‘Common Colorectal Procedures' app focuses on tumour specific colorectal operations. Interactive features include: • Anatomical relations (arteries, veins and lymphatic system) • Stages of procedures demonstrating tumour removal and anastomosis or stoma formation Diagrammatic representation has been used rather than true anatomical pictures so as not to cause concern for patients. Search ‘colorectal’ iTunes® App Store