Deficiencies in mention of post-op complications on consent form: Array

Abstract

Introduction:

Consent is an art, which is mandatory to be undertaken before any intervention on a patient. For surgical procedures, it becomes even more important, and written formal consent is required for patient safety, quality assurance, and medico-legal aspects later. Procedure-related complications are the most important part of consent on which decisions to undergo surgery are made and also post-operative course is determined.

Many times the consent forms are found to have missing information which results in medico-legal issues later on. Our aim, therefore, was to look at the accuracy of complications mentioned on the consent form. For the audit, we selected the 2 most frequently performed surgical procedures (Cholecystectomy and inguinal hernias).

Materials and Methods:

Consent forms for the mentioned procedures were reviewed retrospectively to look for the mention of standard well-known complications associated with the procedures. Duration of study one month with consecutive sampling. Data were analysed for the accuracy of all known complications. 
Results:

%age accuracy of the documented complications were calculated for consultants and non-consultants. Overall average % accuracy was also calculated. 

Conclusion: We concluded that in our standard consent forms documenting complications varies from the person-person and often few complications are missed leading to problems later on. Hence patient safety and quality assurance are compromised. Also, legal issues can arise affecting the surgeon.

Consultants and trainees both are involved in consenting patients. Our consent forms are general. Procedure-specific forms/ Stickers might help in the reduction of deficiencies and thus can improve the experience and prevent litigation and medico-legal implications.