Written Consent – A Prospective Audit of Practices for ENT Patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION It is very important that patients are given sufficient time to consider the implications of surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS The authors audited the consenting practices for patients undergoing surgery in a busy ENT unit. RESULTS The first cycle demonstrated that 15% of patients were providing written consent for surgery on the same day as their operation. Subsequent to a simple change in departmental policy, this was reduced to 2%. The medicolegal implications of this audit are discussed with reference to current recommendations. CONCLUSIONS This simple policy change not only protects the hospital trust from potential litigation but also provides a smooth journey for the patients from diagnosis to making the decision to operate and finally to undergoing surgery.