Evaluating nurse understanding and participation in the informed consent process

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Bioethics
• Patient Advocacy

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial for patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making.
• Understanding nurses' perspectives on informed consent is vital in the evolving healthcare landscape.
• Nurses play a key role as patient advocates, necessitating their preparedness in the informed consent process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine hospital-based nurses' experiences and understandings of the informed consent process.
• To identify nurses' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in obtaining informed consent.
• To explore how nurses navigate the complexities of informed consent in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews.
• 20 registered nurses from diverse clinical settings at a northeastern academic medical center participated.
• The study identified thematic concerns, experiences, and knowledge regarding informed consent.

Main Results:

• Most nurses (19/20) linked patient safety to informed consent comprehension.
• Nearly half of the nurses (9/20) did not perceive a defined role for themselves in the informed consent process.
• Three key nursing roles emerged: communicator, advocate, and clerical support.

Conclusions:

• This research provides foundational insights into ethical practice and nurse engagement in informed consent.
• Findings highlight the need for enhanced understanding and development of solutions to support nurses in the informed consent process.
• Nurses' frontline position offers unique opportunities to improve patient understanding and participation in informed consent.