Improving the Consent Process for Superficial Abscesses Through Pre-printed Consent Forms
Sima Patel, Ceri Gillett
Cureus, 11 November 2024; 16(11)
Abstract
Introduction
Informed consent is essential to ensure that patients are appropriately educated about proposed procedures, including associated risks and potential benefits, to make a valid decision. Incision and drainage of an abscess is a common procedure performed by various healthcare professionals. Inconsistent practices in the consent process can lead to misunderstandings among the patient and have financial and legal complications for both the clinician and the hospital. This study aims to improve the consent process for the incision and drainage of a superficial abscess via the implementation of pre-printed consent forms.
Method
We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study to evaluate existing consent forms, found in patients’ notes, for the incision and drainage of superficial abscesses. The goal was to assess these forms for standardisation, ultimately developing a pre-printed consent form suitable for use by a diverse range of healthcare professionals.
Results
This study revealed significant inconsistencies in consent documentation. While 20 out of 22 (91%) consent forms included infection as a documented risk, only 11 out of 22 (50%) mentioned COVID-19 as a potential risk. The study found that 22 of our 22 (100%) consent forms were documented in black ink. Providing patients with copies of the consent forms can enhance their understanding by allowing them to review the information at home. Eight out of 22 (36%) patients were offered a copy, and 13 out of 22 consent forms (59%) were noted to have abbreviations, both of which may limit understanding and comprehension of the procedure. After implementing a pre-printed consent form, 14 clinicians surveyed (100%) reported that the forms were effective, with 12 out of 14 (86%) indicating they would use these pre-printed forms in their future practice.
Conclusion
The identified variations and inconsistencies in the consent process prompted the creation of a standardised pre-printed consent form. Feedback on this form has been positive, indicating its potential to transform the consent process. The sample size was small, so early results are positive; however, further ongoing work would be required to draw a more definitive conclusion.

Interventions and strategies for enhancing the consent process in neurosurgery. A systematic review of the literature
Review Article
Ashraf Elmahdi, David Smith
British Journal of Neurosurgery, 3 November 2024
Abstract
Background
The informed consent process in neurosurgery aims to support patient autonomy and provide comprehensive information for decision-making. However, gaps in communication and understanding between patients and surgeons persist, that need to be addressed. This systematic review examined the interventions and strategies which to enhance the process of consent in neurosurgery.
Methods
A comprehensive search of databases and relevant sources to identify relevant studies for inclusion. Systematic review of prospective and retrospective studies that assess the effect of interventions which improve the consent process. Data collection and analysis involved independent reviewers assessing eligibility, study quality, and risk of bias. Findings from the included studies were used to write the review.
Main results
The reviewed identified seven studies notably revealed an educational and interactive consent process involving strategies like booklets, videos, multiple interviews, and interactive websites showed improvements in patient knowledge. Recall of risks decreased over time, and factors like age, education, and timing of consent influenced recall.
Authors’ conclusions
To maximise informed consent, neurosurgeons should consider various strategies. Tailoring communication-based on patient’s health literacy and treatment knowledge, involving their support system, and using a bullet-point consent form is essential. Utilising multiple modalities like verbal, static, and dynamic visuals improve information retention. Creative and memorable visual aids enhance comprehension. Allowing time for questions and team approach is superior.

Informed consent in gynecological oncology: a JAGO/NOGGO survey on real-world practices in daily clinical routine
G. Biersack, L. L. Volmer, C. Geißler, J. Fromme, S. Fröhlich, K. Pietzner, J. Sehouli, M. H. Beck
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1 November 2024
Open Access
Abstract
Purpose
Informed consent is a quintessential element of contemporary medicine, reflecting the fundamental right of patients to participate in decision-making regarding their health. Despite its critical importance, there is a lack of data on real-world practices regarding patient informed consent in the context of modern, high-pressure medical environments.
Methods
We conducted a multinational multicentric survey from February 24, 2022, to September 14, 2022, investigating the practices and challenges surrounding informed consent in hospitals across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the use of a specifically developed questionnaire.
Results
Drawing on over 200 responses from gynecologists, the survey shows a critical need for structured training in conducting informed consent discussions with over 80% of participants expressing interest in courses addressing this aspect. Notably, a considerable portion of the physicians (59.9%) reported conducting discussions on procedures they had never personally witnessed. Significant disparities between types of hospitals and professional groups were observed in the frequency of informed consent discussions, with limitations arising from factors such as time constraints, language barriers, and insufficient resources for patient education. Moreover, the psychological burden experienced by physicians after informed-consent discussions underscores the need for systemic changes to alleviate concerns regarding patient safety, legal repercussions, and patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
This study serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need of enhancing resources and support for medical professionals to uphold the principles of empathic and comprehensive patient information and shared decision-making.

Bariatric Surgery: Informed Consent Resource
Rachel Stefaniuk, Sophie Lalonde-Bester, Jackie Liu, Asia Luna Patlis, Marisa Langton
Medical Students for Size Inclusivity, October 2024
Introduction
This resource was created by Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI), an international community of medical students dedicated to addressing weight bias in medicine. We have seen many patients undergo bariatric surgery aimed at promoting weight loss, and remain concerned that patients may receive misleading or insufficient information from their healthcare providers before undergoing these operations. While MSSI does not believe weight & BMI are accurate measures of health, or that weight loss improves health outcomes, we also champion patient autonomy. Weight discrimination permeates so many aspects of society, and the physical and mental harm it directly causes larger bodied people is immeasurable and far reaching. Our goal is to give patients desiring to undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight a more comprehensive understanding of bariatric surgeries, so they can make the most informed decisions about their care. Knowing what alternatives are available is part of full informed consent, so we also include evidence-based options for improving health that do not require weight loss.

Responsibility of the radiologist in the management of contrast media: Informed consent and other controversies
P. Rodríguez Carnero, C. Sebastià Cerqueda, L. Oleaga Zufiria
Radiology, October 2024
Abstract
Radiological contrast media play an essential role in radiology departments by facilitating more precise and detailed images. It is important to note that for radiologists the use of these contrast agents implies several legal responsibilities and ethical considerations towards patients. This related article will explore the main issues related to responsibility and complication management for radiologists, referring physicians and other professionals, as well as issues around informed consent, contraindications for their use and the benefit-risk balance assessed when deciding if a contrast-enhanced test should be carried out. In addition, we will address the crucial role of the radiologist in effective communication with patients and in obtaining informed consent. This research relates to Spanish legislation in the context of medical practice.