ThTP4.7 Laparoscopic Appendicectomy Consent Form Audit
David Manson, Tabitha Jones, Gerard McKnight, Christopher Morris, Jian Zi Poh- Surgery
Abstract
Aims
Surgical consent forms are difficult for patients to interpret. Surveys show that patients struggle to grasp surgical concepts. Procedure specific consent forms (PSCFs) improve surgical consent because they provide a standardised list of complications. However, PSCFs are nationally underutilised. Laparoscopic appendicectomies are one of the most common operations. Our aim was to assess the variability of appendicectomy consent forms in preparation for the inception of a PSCF.
Methods
A prospective audit on patients requiring laparoscopic appendicectomy. Their consent forms were assessed for legibility, abbreviations and complications included. Lastly, all were checked to see if the patient had been offered alternative treatment option in the form of antibiotics. Subsequently, each patient was contacted and asked a series of standardised questions.
Results
17 consent forms were assessed. 100% included infection and bleeding; 88% conversion to open; 82% bowel resection and damage to local structures; and 76% blood clots. 18 separate complications were used in total, with highly variable inclusion. Of the 17 forms 76% were legible, with 65% of them containing acronyms. 82% indicated that alternative therapies had been discussed. In the post-op questionnaire, approximately 80% of patients gave details surrounding their operation and what it entailed, however only 64% were able to successfully recall some of the basic potential complications. Interestingly, only 43% remember being given options on alternative treatments.
Conclusion
The use of PSCFs would be beneficial in standardising complication lists and also in ensuring patients are fully aware of alternative therapies.