A two centre single blind randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of a patient information website on patients understanding of orthognathic surgery

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a bespoke patient information website on patients understanding of orthognathic surgery and the treatment care pathway. Method: A two-centre, single blinded prospective, randomised controlled trial was conducted. A total of 51 adult patients (26 male, 25 female) aged between 15 and 45 years were recruited and enrolled in the study from the orthodontic department at the Birmingham Dental Hospital, and Solihull Hospital, United Kingdom. Patients were randomly allocated to either receive access to a bespoke patient information website or the standard British Orthodontic Society patient information leaflet on orthognathic surgery. The primary outcome measure: patients knowledge regarding orthodontic–orthognathic treatment and their attitude towards their care, was assessed using a questionnaire completed at their subsequent orthodontic appointment. Age, gender and stage of orthodontic treatment were also recorded. Results: All patients who entered the study completed the questionnaire. There was no influence on the total questionnaire score for age, gender or stage of orthodontic treatment which patients were at. No significant difference was found between the two groups with regards to their level of knowledge (p=0.06). When a per protocol analysis was carried out, the compliers in the website group scored 5.7 points higher than participants in the leaflet group for the total score. This was statistically significant (p=0.01) Conclusion: A bespoke patient information website has the potential to provide patients with more information of the orthognathic surgery care pathway when compared to the BOS patient information leaflet, however some patients may chose not to access the website. Information should be made available using both modes of delivery