342 A Closed Loop Audit on The Quality of Documented Consent in Orthopaedic Procedures

Abstract

Abstract Aim A thorough discussion of associated risks is essential when obtaining informed consent for any surgery. The consent form serves as a permanent record of the conversation and can have implications as a legal document in court. The aim of this audit was to assess the quality of documentation on consent forms for Orthopaedic procedures. Method Prospective data was collected from consent forms for patients undergoing 6 prespecified procedures and compared to British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guidelines for consent. We analysed how many of the risks had been documented on the form, and whether the incidence of these risk was emphasised. The data was then collated, analysed and presented at a local trauma meeting. Templates for consent were printed and inserted into consent booklets on the ward to serve as a memory aid. Data was prospectively collected again to complete the audit cycle. Results Prior to the implementation of the consent templates, 8% of consent forms mentioned all possible complications, with 12% emphasising the incidence of the main risks. Post intervention, all significant risks were listed in 29% of forms, with 33% listing the risks in a logical order and emphasising their incidence. Conclusions The process of obtaining consent is a complex but crucial component of surgical practice, with the consent form serving as an important medicolegal document. This study shows that the use of pre-printed consent templates to aid memory can improve documentation and can be adapted and individualised accordingly for each patient.