The use of anatomical models in an Orthopaedic clinic aids in patient education

Background: One of the World Health Organisation strategies to achieve patient centered care is for patients to be able to effectively give informed consent. Well-informed patients are also likely to be more compliant and have better treatment outcomes. Aims and Objectives: Our study looks at using anatomical models as adjuncts in consultations to determine if they would be useful in improving patient understanding and satisfaction. Study Design/Methods: A survey of patients was carried out at a single Orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic in Singapore, to investigate if patients felt that the use of anatomical models aided in their understanding of their medical condition, foot and ankle anatomy, and surgical procedures offered, if any. 2 different anatomical models were used, depending on the context of the consultation. All conditions encountered were included. Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this study. Results: 30 patients were surveyed in total, all of whom agreed that the models were useful in helping them understand their medical condition and foot and ankle anatomy better. Of the 19 patients who were counselled regarding surgery, 18 felt that the models improved their understanding of the proposed procedures. 26 patients would like similar models to be used in other Orthopaedic clinics, although 3 would not, and 1 was not sure. On the whole, 19 patients found the models very useful, and 11 patients found them useful. Conclusion: Anatomical models are a cost-effective method of contributing to patient education compared to other alternatives, and we would advocate the use of models in other Orthopaedic clinics during consultations for counselling and taking informed consent.