Informed Consent: What Does It Mean?
Posted by
Dan FrithFebruary 10, 2008 12:30 PMAnyone who has been a patient and submitted to a surgery or other medical procedure typically signs what is called an "informed consent" document. Have you signed one? Did you read it? Do you understand it? Do you know the legal effect of signing the document?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has acknowledged that many informed consent documents fail to tell the patient their treatment options and risks and established new guidelines requiring hospitals to design "patient friendly" informed consent documents which accurately, and understandably, advise the patient of treatment alternatives and consequences. The Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals, is advocating the use of easy-to-read forms and the use of the method known as "teach back" which involves asking the patient to repeat back what they have been told about risks and benefits.
My recommendations for a good informed consent document are as follows:
1. A simple, easy to understand, explanation of the procedure and anesthesia to be utilized.
2. A statement explaining why the procedure is recommended.
3. The name of the doctor or surgeon conducting the procedure and administering anesthesia.
4. A list of the risks and benefits of the proposed procedure or surgery.
5. A list of the alternative treatments available to the patient - and the risks and benefits of each.
6. A statement explaining the likely results of refusing the proposed treatment or procedure.
BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER OF HEALTH CARE! IT MIGHT JUST SAVE YOUR LIFE!