Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Informed consent in dermatologic surgery
Mark Fleischman1, Carlos Garcia
1Department of Dermatology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 619 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Background:
The issue of informed consent retention has not been previously addressed in dermatology literature. Several studies in other fields of medicine have shown that retention rates are below 50%.
Objective:
To determine the percentage of complications recalled at 20 minutes and at 1 week after the informed consent process.
Methods:
Eighty-five consecutive patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery were given verbal and written instructions, including 10 potential complications. Patients were asked to recall these complications at 20 minutes and at 1 week after the informed consent process.
Results:
Overall group retention rate at 20 minutes and at 1 week were 26.5% and 24.4%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Patients undergoing elective Mohs micrographic surgery have an overall retention rate of 26.5% just 20 minutes after being informed of 10 possible complications. It is obvious that the informed consent protocol needs additional modalities in order to improve overall retention rates.
Insights
Patients undergoing Mohs surgery recall only 26.5% of complications after informed consent. This highlights a critical need for improved methods to enhance patient understanding and retention of crucial surgical information.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Education
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Informed consent retention is understudied in dermatology.
- Prior medical studies show retention rates below 50%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify complication recall after informed consent for Mohs surgery.
- To assess recall at 20 minutes and 1 week post-consent.
Main Methods:
- 85 patients undergoing Mohs surgery were surveyed.
- Patients received verbal and written informed consent detailing 10 potential complications.
- Recall was tested at 20 minutes and 1 week.
Main Results:
- Overall complication retention was 26.5% at 20 minutes.
- Retention slightly decreased to 24.4% at 1 week.
- Low recall rates were observed across the patient group.
Conclusions:
- Mohs surgery patients demonstrate poor retention of informed consent details.
- Current informed consent protocols require enhancement.
- Additional methods are necessary to improve patient comprehension and recall.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:30Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...