Assessment Rate of Being Conscious and Quality of Informed Consent Process in Inpatients Undergoing Surgery in Selected Hospitals of Isfahan in 2009

Informed consent of patient is the basis of medical ethics. Complying with standards of informed consent process in curative activities directly influence patient satisfaction during the treatment process, thus reducing complaints from medical staff and consequently a reduction in legal intervention. The aim of this study was to determine the level of being conscious and quality of obtaining informed consent in inpatients undergoing surgery in selected hospitals in Isfahan city in 2009.

This descriptive -analytical study was performed in selected hospitals of Isfahan in 2009. In this survey, 200 inpatients (donor consent) were selected from the surgical section using constant and convenient sampling. Data were collected via a constructed questionnaire based on international codes of medical ethics and informed consent and also using numerous national and international articles in this regard. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation).

In this study donor consents believed that they had not received information about benefits of surgery (45%), risk and consequences (61.5%), other treatments (66%), duration of hospitalization (65.5%), and follow up after discharge (75%). 50% of them said that the consent form wasnt understandable. 59% of patients were not informed of the benefits and 59.5% of risk of other treatment. 60.5% of them did not have any other treatment option. 64.5% of patients were satisfied with communication with physicians who expressed that their questions were well answered.

The study showed quality of informed consent before surgery in patients is low. Therefore it is vital to explain benefits and potential risk of surgery, other alternative treatments, benefits and risks of other alternatives, duration of hospitalization, and follow-up after discharge to patients. In addition, the explanation of the consent form seems necessary.