Written Informed Consent-Translating into Plain Language. A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Health Communication

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial for medical interventions.
• Many existing forms lack clarity and simplicity.
• Improving patient comprehension of consent forms is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an easily understandable informed consent form.
• To enhance the clarity of plastic surgery informed consent documents.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the jansopis.pl readability software to analyze a Polish informed consent form.
• Modified the form by shortening sentences and simplifying vocabulary.
• Assessed the revised form's readability with software and 160 adult volunteers.

Main Results:

• Initial analysis indicated the form was suitable for university graduates.
• Post-revision, the form became comprehensible for individuals with 4-6 years of primary education.
• The majority of volunteers found the revised form completely understandable.

Conclusions:

• Simplifying informed consent forms significantly improves patient comprehension.
• Enhanced clarity benefits both patients and healthcare practitioners.
• Accessible consent forms are vital for ethical medical practice.