How to effectively obtain informed consent in trauma patients: a systematic review

Summary & key facts

The authors reviewed research on getting informed consent from adult trauma patients. They searched 2044 records and found only 8 studies that fit their criteria. Most studies were about planned surgeries (6 orthopedic, 1 nasal bone, 1 limb debridement) and only one study took place in an emergency department. The review found that trauma patients often had poor memory for information. Written or video materials helped patients understand and remember risks better than verbal explanations alone. The authors say a structured, standardized consent process and more training for clinicians could help, but more research is needed to test these solutions, especially in emergency settings.

Key facts:

• The review screened 2044 articles and included only 8 studies that involved adult trauma patients.
• Of the 8 included studies, 6 involved orthopedic surgeries, 1 involved nasal bone surgery, and 1 involved trauma-related limb debridement.
• Only 1 of the 8 studies was conducted in an emergency department.
• Authors report that trauma patients showed generally poor recall of information given to them about procedures.
• Risk recall and comprehension were higher when patients received written or video information compared with verbal information alone.
• Patient satisfaction was higher when patients received both written and verbal information than when they received verbal information only.
• Patients who received video information reported greater satisfaction than those who received written or verbal information.
• The authors conclude that developing a structured and standardized informed consent process and training healthcare providers may be achievable, but its effectiveness needs formal evaluation and more empirical evidence.

Abstract

Many articles have been published on the subject of informed consent, but very few of these have focused on trauma patients. More empirical evidence is needed to support the success of informed consent for trauma patients in the emergency department, especially within the necessarily very limited time frame. To improve the informed consent process for trauma patients, developing a structured and standardized informed consent process may be necessary and achievable; its effectiveness would require evaluation. Adequately educating and training healthcare providers to deliver structured, comprehensive information to trauma patients is crucial. Institutions should give top priority to ensuring patient-centered health care and improved quality of care for trauma patients.

Topics

Ethics in medical practice Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Tags

Alternative medicine Engineering Engineering ethics Epistemology Informed consent Medicine Pathology Philosophy Philosophy of medicine Psychology Psychotherapist