Surgical Safety Quality Measures
Informed consent is the name for the process of learning
about surgical procedures and their associated risks. A signed and witnessed
consent form (informed consent) is required by law before any surgical procedure.
The consent process involves much more than signing a form. Proper consent
should include clear explanation of the following:
- what procedure is to be done
and why
- risks and benefits of the procedure and the likelihood
of each (risk and benefit) occurring
- other treatment options - instead of the
proposed procedure, and associated risks and benefits of other options
- how
your information will be kept confidential
In addition you should be given:
- an opportunity to ask questions
and time to consider your options
- adequate time to review the informed consent
form prior to surgery
Difficulty understanding unfamiliar medical terms is common,
so consent forms should be written as simply as possible. According to a report
in Critical
Care Medicine (2005; 33(4): 867-882), consents should be written
for a person at a fifth to eighth grade reading level, in order to ensure understanding.
Once the procedure, risks, and potential benefits have been
explained, it is the patient's (or family member's) responsibility to ask if
the procedures are not clear.
Two simple tips can help if more time is needed before making
a decision:
- Ask that the consent form be left to read and think about
prior to signing.
- Repeat what you heard back to the person who is obtaining
your consent.
At
St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, the consent process includes ample time for explanation
and discussion of all treatment options and associated risks and benefits.
An opportunity is provided to review the consent prior to surgery for patients
and family members who are present.