357 Improving Surgical Consent – A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance the Consenting Process. (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shrivastava, M; Brown, J; Sun, L; Rajagopal, R
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108(2021)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab134.412
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: RCS guidelines on consent, recently updated, encourage a dialogue where all risks material to that patient are discussed and are clear. An audit was performed to assess whether practice at Oxford Hospitals is compliant with these guidelines – that all patients for elective surgery are consented prior to admission. Method: Thirty-two undergoing elective Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), Tonsillectomy and Septoplasty were interviewed in May-June 2019. Baseline data were presented at a local educational meeting, along with education on the recent changes to the RCS guidelines. Repeat audit took place in August-September 2020. Results: All 32 patients were consented as per RCS guidelines and understood the reason for their surgery, but only 31% could explain the risks, and 56% could explain alternative options. Twenty (63%) consent forms were easily legible on randomised heuristic assessment. After education and change in department practice, understanding of the operation was much improved (80-100%). One outcome was to create pre-filled consent forms for common ENT operations. Conclusions: Whilst RCS policy on completing consent prior to admission is being achieved, patient interviews suggest a lack of understanding of the operation. Standardised consent forms have the potential to enhance this understanding, as well as saving time.