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What a signature adds to the consent process
Peter Neary1, Ronan A Cahill, W O Kirwan
1Department of Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Surgical Endoscopy
|April 11, 2008
Summary
Signing consent forms, while often seen as protective, empowers patients and is favored by most patients and staff. This process is valued for patient autonomy and decision-making in medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Autonomy
- Informed Consent
Background:
- Informed consent is crucial for patient participation in medical decisions.
- The role of a signed consent form in enhancing this process is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient and staff perceptions of signed consent forms for endoscopic procedures.
- To compare views between patients receiving verbal explanation alone versus verbal explanation with a signed form.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of patients undergoing cystoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
- Random assignment to verbal explanation only (Group A) or verbal explanation with signed form (Group B).
- Standardized questionnaire administered to patients and staff.
Main Results:
- Most patients and 100% of staff felt signing empowered patients.
- Patients primarily believed forms protected doctors/hospitals (89% Group A, 67% Group B).
- A majority of patients favored signing (47% Group A, 78% Group B), with women showing a stronger preference.
Conclusions:
- Despite perceptions of protecting institutions, signed consent forms are appealing to both patients and healthcare staff.
- The formal act of signing is valued, potentially enhancing the patient's sense of autonomy and involvement.
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