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Factors affecting quality of informed consent
C Lavelle-Jones1, D J Byrne, P Rice
1Department of Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|April 3, 1993
Summary
Patient recall of surgical information declines over time, particularly for older patients or those with lower cognitive function. Providing written information before hospital admission may improve understanding of informed consent.
Area of Science:
- Medical ethics
- Patient comprehension
- Surgical consent
Background:
- Informed consent is crucial for patient autonomy in healthcare.
- Understanding factors affecting patient recall is vital for improving the quality of consent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variables influencing the quality of informed consent among surgical patients.
- To identify patient characteristics associated with better or poorer recall of information.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving interviews and questionnaires with 265 surgical patients.
- Assessed patient recall of information at multiple time points.
- Correlated recall scores with age, cognitive function, intelligence quotient (IQ), and health locus of control.
Main Results:
- Patient recall significantly decreased after signing consent forms.
- Older age and impaired cognitive function negatively impacted information recall.
- Internal health locus of control was associated with better recall.
- Written information improved recall only on the day of discharge.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients, those with impaired cognition, and individuals with an external locus of control exhibit poor information recall.
- Written consent materials may be more effective if provided prior to hospital admission.