Varicose Vein Education and Informed coNsent (VVEIN) Study

Participants in the control arm will undergo Standard Consent which will consist of paper PIL provided by EIDO healthcare followed by a verbal discussion (standardized by following a checklist of topics to discuss) with the responsible consultant surgeon and signing of the consent form. The time taken to read the PIL (self-recorded by the patient) will be recorded. The time spent with the responsible surgeon will also be recorded, as will the number of questions asked by the participant.

Participants randomized to the intervention dHET will receive the dHET followed by a verbal discussion (as above) and signing of the consent form. The dHET will be delivered on a tablet computer and facilitated by a research assistant who will ensure all technological issues are overcome but will not engage with the participant with regard facilitating better understanding of the content. The digital offering will be interactive; participants will be able to traverse through each section at their own pace with the ability to re-visit sections. It also contains a two-minute narrated animation of the procedure, which can played, rewinded or fast forward. The time spent reading each section of the dHET and time spent watching the animation will be recorded. The time spent with the responsible surgeon will also be recorded, as will the number of questions asked by the participant.