Informed consent: British otolaryngologists surveyed.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Ethics
• Health Law

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial in medical practice.
• Previous studies highlighted good practice among British otolaryngologists.
• Changes in medical practice necessitate re-evaluation of informed consent procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in informed consent practices among British otolaryngologists since 1991.
• To evaluate the level of good practice in obtaining informed consent.
• To identify trends in consultant and registrar involvement and awareness of material risk.

Main Methods:

• Repeat postal questionnaire survey of British otolaryngologists.
• Comparison of current practices with data from 1991.
• Analysis of changes in the timing and setting of informed consent acquisition.
• Assessment of practitioner involvement and reporting of surgical complications.

Main Results:

• High levels of good practice in obtaining informed consent are maintained.
• Informed consent is now more frequently obtained in outpatient or preadmission clinics compared to 1991.
• Consultants and specialist registrars show increased involvement in the informed consent process.
• Changes in reporting surgical complications suggest heightened awareness of 'material risk'.

Conclusions:

• The standard of good practice in informed consent among British otolaryngologists remains high.
• Informed consent procedures have adapted to outpatient and preadmission settings.
• Increased awareness of material risk may be influencing the reporting of surgical complications.