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The ethical problems with informed consent: How inconsistencies undermine patient autonomy
Charlotte L Harrington1, Clara M Bosco2, Sean C Wightman3
1Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Informed consent (IC) practices vary widely, potentially undermining patient autonomy. Standardizing consent processes is crucial for ensuring patient understanding and decision-making support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Autonomy
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Informed consent (IC) is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice.
- Variations in IC procedures may impact patient understanding and decision-making.
- Current IC practices are often inconsistent across institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify inconsistencies in informed consent (IC) procedures.
- To evaluate the impact of these variations on patient autonomy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of institutional IC policies.
- Analysis of existing literature on consent practices.
- Evaluation of variations in consent implementation and disclosure.
Main Results:
- Significant variability in IC implementation was observed.
- Arbitrary thresholds for consent and context-dependent disclosure were noted.
- Efficiency pressures and inconsistent witness requirements further complicate IC.
Conclusions:
- Fragmented IC practices hinder patient-centered care and decision-making.
- Inconsistencies in IC create gaps in supporting patient autonomy.
- Standardized, patient-centered policies are essential for safeguarding autonomy.
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