SP3.3 Digital Consent: a review of two years of implementation & its impact on the perioperative workflow

Abstract

Abstract Aims Paper consent processes have been demonstrated to contain errors of omission, illegibility and unwarranted variation. Missing paper-consent forms can cause delays, cancellations and poor theatre efficiency. Digital consent is known to reduce errors, empower patients in clinical decision discussions and improve patient perception of Shared Decision Making. This study evaluates the roll-out of Concentric Health’s digital consent application over a two year period. Methods Consent episode data was assessed from a two year period (27th January 2021 - 26th January 2023) using Concentric analytics. Qualitative data was obtained via optional patient satisfaction surveys. Results 96,710 consent episodes were created during the period, amounting to 79,476 completed consent episodes for 3029 unique procedures by 1193 clinicians, across 27 specialties from 43 healthcare providers. Of the completed episodes, 44.1% were completed in advance of the day-of-surgery. 22.5% of episodes were remote. Patients were aged 0-105 years, (median 60, IQR 43). Treatment information was shared digitally with 77.1% of patients. The average patient satisfaction rating was 4.61 out of 5 (1 very poor - 5 very good, n = 10007). Conclusions Concentric is being used in practice across multiple hospitals and clinical environments, with patients reporting high satisfaction scores. Digital consent enables consent in advance of the day-of-surgery, affording patients sufficient time for consideration, and possibly optimising theatre efficiency. Remote consent is feasible, used by over a fifth of patients. Digital consent applications can be considered for adoption in all units to capitalise on these benefits.