Consent in cardiology: There may be trouble ahead?

Abstract

In summary, when approaching issues of consent, the doctor should: ensure that he is clear in his own mind what the options for the patient are and the way in which he wishes to impart them bear in mind that what is important is that the consent is informed-that is, the patient is provided with information in a form which enables him to understand the nature of the decision he has to make consider, in particular for the standard procedures, the provision of a background information leaflet that the patient can take away to read try to develop a formula for conveying the basic information that he always follows, albeit that he adapts it to the understanding of the particular patient allow sufficient time for the patient to ask questions ensure that either the consent form is itself in detailed terms or that it is supplemented by a note in the clinical records of the information given; always keep the latter if there are any concerns as to the patient's understanding/interpretation of what he has been told remember that the provision of information that leads to consent is not necessarily a one-off event-for example, an information sheet could be provided at the first out-patient appointment and followed up on a later occasion. Doctors should remember that their defence unions are there to help; if a formal complaint is made with regard to consent (or indeed other) issues, it is wise to telephone them before responding. They will also check the written statement of response that is prepared by a consultant before it is submitted.