What information should be discussed with patients prior to consent for a procedure?

Before having your operation, you will be asked to indicate that you understand the nature of the surgical procedure to be performed and that you give your permission for the operation.

This may appear to be a formality, but, in fact, this process should be taken very seriously. Before your operation, frankly discuss with your surgeon any questions or concerns that you have. Of course, not everyone wants to know all the specific details of the surgical procedure itself, but you should seek the answers to questions such as:

• What are the indications that have led your doctor to the opinion that an operation is necessary?
• What, if any, alternative treatments are available for your condition?
• What will be the likely result if you don't have the operation?
• What are the basic procedures involved in the operation?
• What are the risks?
• How is the operation expected to improve your health or quality of life?
• Is hospitalization necessary and, if so, how long can you expect to be hospitalized?
• What can you expect during your recovery period?
• When can you expect to resume normal activities?
• Are there likely to be residual effects from the operation?

Of course, your surgeon may volunteer much of this information. However, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Remember, the operation is being performed on you, and you should seek any information that you need to improve your understanding. Your doctor should be willing to take whatever time is necessary to make sure that you are fully informed. No doctor can, or should, guarantee outcomes, because each operation is different, depending upon the individual condition and response of each patient. Nonetheless, your surgeon will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect.

The principle of informed consent is endorsed by the American College of Surgeons, the largest organization of surgeons in the world with more than 54,000 members. The Statements on Principles of the College says, in part, "Patients should understand the indications for the operation, the risk involved, and the result that it is hoped to attain."

A fully trained surgeon is a physician who, after medical school, has gone through years of training in an accredited residency program to learn the specialized skills of a surgeon. One good sign of a surgeon's competence is certification by a national surgical board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. All board-certified surgeons have satisfactorily completed an approved residency training program and have passed a rigorous specialty examination.

The letters F.A.C.S. (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon's name are a further indication of a physician's qualifications. Surgeons who become Fellows of the College have passed a comprehensive evaluation of their surgical training and skills; they also have demonstrated their commitment to high standards of ethical conduct. This evaluation is conducted according to national standards that were established to ensure that patients receive the best possible surgical care.

Prepared as a public service by the American College of Surgeons.

American College of Surgeons
Office of Public Information
633 N. Saint Clair St.
Chicago, IL 60611

If you are considering an operation, you may have further questions:

Who should do your operation?

Should you seek consultation?

Do you need help finding a treatment center?

Summary

• Patients have a legal right to be told any information that relates to their medical condition and their treatment.
• The signed consent form is considered a legal document.
• As a patient, it is you who must decide about your medical treatment, although it is important to consider the advice of your doctor.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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