Observational StudyPediatric Anesthesia Consent - Visual Aids

Informed consent in pediatric anesthesia is obtained from the caregiver by the anesthesiologist prior to surgery. Studies demonstrate that caregivers often do not fully understand or recall the information (risks and benefits) discussed with them during the consent process. The use of visual aids (pictographs etc.) in the consent process has been studied and found beneficial in increasing recall of the discussion about surgery (appendectomy) and for sedation in the emergency department. The investigators developed posters/pamphlets as visual aids with information about general anesthesia and risks involved to help the caregivers understand the process and risks better when their child comes in for an elective procedure. This randomized controlled trial comparing the recall and satisfaction of the standard consent process with and without the use of the visual aids will help evaluate whether the consent process and caregiver understanding can be improved by using these aids.