AB125. 97. Patients’ perception of adequacy of informed consent for elective procedures in general surgery

Background: This study was designed to assess the quality of informed consent experience in elective general surgery from patients’ perspective and in light of GMC standards.

Methods: A pre-operative questionnaire was completed in a short interview by 86 randomly selected patients before their elective general surgery operation at Walsall Manor Hospital between May and September 2017.

Results: Of 86 patients, 73% had signed a consent form before day of surgery. Thirteen (15%) patients were given written information about their procedure. Twenty-four (28%) patients were told who to contact if they had further procedure-related questions. Eighty-four percent patients knew what procedure they were having that day. Only 59% patients could recall benefits and risks of their procedure. Fourteen percent of patients were aware of alternative treatments to their procedure. Sixty-two percent patients believed that more time should be spent pre-operatively to discuss their operation. Sixty-five percent felt that an information leaflet would improve their understanding of their surgery. Thirty-six percent patients felt that they would have signed the consent regardless of its content. Forty-eight percent felt that they had no choice but to sign the consent.

Conclusions: This study has highlighted numerous areas where quality of consent may be improved for elective procedures, such as providing written information for patients. It is important to confirm that the patient is satisfied with the information provided, and ensure that there is sufficient opportunity for patients to ask questions without sense of pressure. Method of informed consent should be made patient-specific as patients differ significantly in their concerns and expectations for surgery.

Keywords: Consent; quality; patient; perspective