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Published on: May 6, 2020
Gaining consent for carotid surgery: a simulation-based study of vascular surgeons
Summary
Surgeons performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were assessed for patient consent skills. Senior trainees lacked competence, while most consultant surgeons demonstrated developed skills without formal training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Patient Consent
Background:
- Surgeons are presumed competent in patient consent without formal training.
- This assumption was tested for carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the consent competency of surgeons at different training levels for CEA.
- To determine if surgical experience correlates with improved patient consent skills.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two surgeons (junior trainees, senior trainees, consultants) consented simulated patients for CEA.
- Performance was assessed via video review using a validated rating scale and risk factor checklist.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in consent performance between junior and senior trainees.
- Significant improvement in consent skills was observed between senior trainees and consultant surgeons.
- Most consultants (8/11) were competent, discussing specific risks like cranial nerve injury and stroke risk, unlike trainees.
Conclusions:
- Senior trainees performing CEA lacked consent competence.
- Consultant surgeons demonstrated developed consent competence, despite lacking formal training.