Informed Consent in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: Patients' Perspective of a Tertiary Service Process.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Surgical Patient Care

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial for ethical, legal, and quality surgical care.
• Patient understanding and satisfaction with the informed consent process are key metrics for quality care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient understanding, experience, and satisfaction with the informed consent process for pelvic reconstructive surgery.
• To assess the impact of the informed consent process on patient decision-making and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 87 women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery (April 2021-April 2022).
• Utilized a standardized questionnaire assessing experiences, decision-making (Decisional Conflict Scale), and satisfaction (Likert scale, Visual Analogue Scale).

Main Results:

• 96.6% read consent forms thoroughly; 98% received detailed explanations.
• 85% were very satisfied or satisfied with the consent process; 55.2% valued shared decision-making.
• Detailed information and reading the consent form were key satisfaction factors.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive informed consent process is linked to high patient satisfaction.
• Effective informed consent procedures promote shared decision-making in pelvic reconstructive surgery.