[Informed consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy. A patient-opinion survey]

Written consent is not advised in France because it is thought it may alter the patient's trust in his/her doctor. Our aim was to elaborate a consent form for gastrointestinal endoscopy and to assess the patient's opinion concerning the written consent process.

Seven health professionals and seven patients or users elaborated a consent form and a list of 24 questions about the written consent process. The consent form, accompanied with an information form, was given to the patients before endoscopy. For a period of 9 consecutive days, all patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy were asked to fill out the questionnaire at the end of the procedure.

One hundred and forty-three patients participated in the survey. Twenty-eight were unable to read the form. One hundred patients filled out the form. Sixty-six percent of the patients were satisfied with the written consent process. Only 10% considered that the written consent process altered their trust in their doctor. Ninety-eight percent of the patients were satisfied with the consent form and 97% felt it was clear and comprehensible. Eighty percent of the patient felt it was reassuring.

Written consent does not alter the patient's trust in his/her doctor. The majority of the patients understood the written consent process and agreed with it. Almost all patients were satisfied with the consent form we elaborated, suggesting that its use could be generalized.