The nurse's role in informed consent

Only by having complete information about health problems and treatment can the patient exercise the right to free choice in determining what care is acceptable. The nurse, whether in the role of care giver or acting as patient advocate, can help to ensure that patients receive quality care by explaining medical and nursing procedures. Problem areas in informed consent may exist for both patients and staff, and these issues can be identified and corrected through quality assurance activities. When patients are properly informed about the medical and nursing treatments planned for them and when the continuance of adequate procedures for imparting information is assured through quality assurance mechanisms, then it can be said that true consent, rather than mere compliance, is being obtained.