Consent is the conclusion of a decision making process

Richards emphasises the ongoing need to improve the process of consent.1 Gaining consent is fundamental to healthcare, but, if done poorly, patients risk receiving healthcare they don’t need or want, and healthcare professionals risk complaints and litigation.Since the Montgomery ruling, it is no longer acceptable to list facts and figures in a hurried conversation, perhaps on the day of surgery, culminating with a signature on a form.2 Consenting must incorporate the patient’s perspective of the options and their risks and benefits and must be personalised to the patient’s circumstances. Only the patient can judge what a “material” (compared with significant) risk means for them. Consent is the conclusion of a decision making process that fully involves the patient.Medical decisions should be made through shared decision making,3 where options are explained (including the option of doing nothing) and the risks, benefits, and uncertainties are clearly communicated. The patient is supported to…
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