OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of preoperative phone counseling by 
junior medical staff for improving the standard of informed consent for 
tonsillectomy.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: District general hospital.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients undergoing tonsillectomy were 
randomly allocated to 2 groups. Group A (n = 25) underwent the conventional 
consent process by the consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon at the time of 
assessment (which generally takes place 6 to 12 months prior to surgery due to 
wait-list times). Group B (n = 18) underwent this same consent process but 
received a structured preoperative phone call 2 to 3 weeks prior to the day of 
surgery. A preoperative questionnaire assessing the knowledge of tonsillectomy, 
perioperative course, and risks was completed on the day of surgery.
RESULTS: Group B had a better recall of the risks of tonsillectomy, recalling 
7.1 of the 10 most significant risks, as compared with 4.6 for group A (P = 
.017). Group B had a better awareness of tooth damage (78% vs 30% of patients, P 
≤ .001), voice change (61 vs 19%, P = .005), and burns to lips and mouth (44% vs 
8%, P = .005). Finally, 35% more patients from group B rated their understanding 
of tonsillectomy as good or very good (P = .017).
CONCLUSION: Preoperative phone counseling by junior medical staff closer to the 
time of surgery reinforces and clarifies the information previously provided by 
senior consultants at the time of initial consent for tonsillectomy.