Understanding E-Consent in Anaesthesia: A Review of Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Dimensions
Mettha Oshadi Wimalasundera1, Zoaheb Mudassar Wahab Mohammad2, Sadia Choudhury3
1Anaesthetics Department, The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, WV10 0QP Wolverhampton, UK.
Abstract:
The integration of electronic consent (e-consent) into anaesthetic practice has accelerated since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, offering new opportunities to enhance patient autonomy, documentation fidelity, and clinical efficiency. This review examines the clinical, legal, and ethical dimensions of e-consent, situating it within the statutory and common law frameworks, such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the principles established in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board. It further interrogates the challenges posed by digital exclusion, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the environmental implications of transitioning to digital platforms. The emerging role of artificial intelligence in tailoring and strengthening consent processes is explored, while highlighting the imperative to preserve ethical integrity and legal validity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities I
The legal responsibilities of a nurse regarding informed consent include the following:
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Dilemmas II
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Standards of Care II
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...


