Consent

When getting informed consent, explain the following:

• Nature of procedure

• Alternatives

• Benefits

• Risks

Example(s) - see below.

Ensure;

• Make sure that written permission has been obtained.

• Make sure the patient is adequately informed about the operation and its potential complications, especially in
  • high risk operations
  • mutilating operations
  • operations for cancer

• Record that patient understands the information conveyed regarding proposed surgery

• In many instances, a more experienced member of the team should explain the procedure - but you should make sure that this has been done. IF IN DOUBT, ASK the SHO, Registrar, Senior Registrar or Consultant.

• Mark the side of operation with indelible marker and record site/side in the notes and on the consent form, see 14.3.

• Record also in case notes and on consent form any specific risks discussed ( e.g. stroke risk from carotid endarterectomy )