502 A Retrospective Review of Laparoscopic Colectomies Informed Consent Documentation, with a View of Standardisation Are Patients Properly Informed?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Shared decision-making and consents are fundamental to good medical practice and are paramount to our surgical practice. A lack of clear recorded information given to patients about the surgical procedure, associated risks and potential complications can cause harm. Landmark cases such as Montgomery vs Lanarkshire Health Board, emphasized the importance of accurate and informative consent forms. Aim To improve the quality of our consent forms. To standardize our consent forms for laparoscopic colectomy resection surgeries performed at The Department of General Surgery at Wye Valley NHS Trust. To produce a model consent form to reduce future medicolegal issues related to poor documentation. Method We identified 22 common risks and complications associated with any laparoscopic colectomy surgery. Consent forms were analysed for documentation of: Demographics, risk factors, clear handwriting; Known relevant risk factors associated with the procedure; Benefits and any additional procedures required and Name & grade of healthcare professional. Results The most common complications mentioned across the consent forms were Anastomotic leak /Collection (94%), Wound infection, Bleeding, and DVT/PE (90%). Complications like post-op pain, post-op ileus, stoma complications, iatrogenic bladder/ureter injuries, and mortality were under-recorded. As a result, the quality of our consent forms and information provided to our patients is widely variable. Conclusions Proper completion of consent forms is crucial. Introducing a modified consent form with pre-filled risk factors/complications will allow for more accurate consent form completion ensuring relevant complications are discussed with patients.