Informed Consent for Emergency Obstetric Care During COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges to informed consent for emergency obstetric care.
• Patients face increased risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly if requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission or presenting with COVID-19 symptoms.
• Perinatal anxiety and depression rates have risen during the pandemic, further complicating the patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the complexities of informed consent in emergency obstetric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To develop an informed consent form that specifically incorporates COVID-19 related risks and considerations.
• To enhance patient understanding and safety in high-risk obstetric surgical scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing informed consent procedures for obstetric surgery.
• Identification of specific risks associated with COVID-19 in the obstetric population.
• Development and proposed implementation of a modified informed consent form tailored to the pandemic context.

Main Results:

• The standard informed consent process is inadequate for emergency obstetric surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Patients undergoing these procedures face heightened risks, including potential ICU stays and COVID-19 related complications.
• Asymptomatic carriers developing symptoms post-delivery or C-section experience increased morbidity.

Conclusions:

• A specialized informed consent form is crucial for emergency obstetric surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The form must clearly outline COVID-19 specific risks, including ICU admission and potential for increased mortality.
• This approach aims to improve patient safety and informed decision-making in a challenging healthcare environment.