Who was included?

Most of the research reviewed examined the effectiveness of audiotapes for the exchange of health information. Three studies specifically focused on the use of recording oncology consultations as an educational intervention (McClement, Scott, Tattersall 2002).

Most of the studies focused only on Caucasian participants. Four mentioned the race or ethnic background of their sample (Ah-Fat, Jones, Hagopian, Tattersall 1994) and one noted the socioeconomic class of its participants as a possible indicator of literacy level (Reynolds). Most participants averaged 10 years or more of education. Three studies mentioned some participants with less than grade 12 (Hack, Hagopian, Davison 1997). Many studies specifically excluded participants with language, cognitive or physical barriers (Bruera, Davison 1998, Dunn, Ford, Gift, Jones, Moore, Ong, Tattersall 1994). Even when they were not systematically excluded, it can be inferred that the patients who participated in most of these studies were able to read the consent forms and fill in questionnaires, and were physically and mentally capable of being participants in a research study.

Findings

Overall, the results show that audio recording offers certain advantages such as sharing accessible information. However there are some limitations and more research is necessary to identify those patient subgroups that might find audiotapes helpful.

Knowledge/recall

Some studies indicate that the recording of medical consultations could increase the understanding and retention of medical information. A few found similar recall ability even when patients are given traumatic diagnoses, such as cancer (Bruera, Ford, Hogbin 1992, Krackow, McHugh, Ong). Several studies concluded that recording medical information could potentially be useful to educate patients (Hagopian, Jenkinson, Man-Son-Hing, North). Overall the majority of studies found that audiotapes benefited patients, although a few researchers found that they did not necessarily help in recall or increase knowledge (Dunn, Hogbin 1989, Reynolds).

Behavioural change

Two studies examined the success of patients using audiotape recordings to apply medical information and/or change lifestyle behaviours (Davison 1997, Ford). Only Davison’s study on men with prostate cancer proved positively that patients were empowered with the knowledge to make and implement their decisions. 

Anxiety

Of seven studies that tested the effects of tape recording health information after a diagnosis or before an invasive procedure, three found that it was effective in decreasing anxiety in patients (Davison 1997, Gift, North). However, three studies did not find a connection between recorded information given to patients and decreased levels of anxiety (Davison 1998, Fullhart, Hogbin 1992). At the other extreme, one report concluded that anxiety levels actually increased in patients who received a tape recording of their consultation; the authors speculate that recorded information might not be helpful in reducing emotional distress in patients who use denial as a coping mechanism (McHugh).

Self-care

Three of the studies reviewed reported positive results in patients’ use of self-care measures and encouraged the use of audiotapes to improve knowledge and selfcare post-operatively (Hagopian, Jones, Moore).

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is difficult to measure reliably, but does give an important initial appraisal of an intervention. Most studies revealed that patients and their families accept and value receiving medical information and/or their consultation on audiotape (Ah-Fat, Krackow, Nathan, Rylance). However, one study found that patients prefer a recording of their own consultation as opposed to an audiotape with general information of their diagnosis (Dunn). Another study reported no significant increase in satisfaction when using an audio-booklet (Man-Son-Hing). Even studies that concluded there was no increase in knowledge or recall found that patients and their families appreciated the recorded information (Hogbin 1989, Reynolds).