Trials and tribulations of the current national consent form

The aim of this survey was to evaluate patients' understanding of the current standardised National Health Service consent form. Of the 285 patients, 47% were performed as emergency and 53% as elective procedures. Almost all patients indicated that they understood the consent form. Although the benefits of the procedure were known in 94%, only 69% were aware of the risks associated with the performed operation. Less than 40% claimed to have been informed about the risk of requiring additional surgery. Patients undergoing elective surgery were significantly more likely to be aware of the risks, the likelihood of additional surgery and the fact that the consultant may not be performing the operation. Although the current national consent form introduced by the Department of Health appears to be understood by obstetric and gynaecology patients, there appears to be a need for improved counselling regarding the attendant risks and benefits of surgery, especially for patients undergoing emergency surgery.