ThTP3.5 Electronic consent improves patient safety

Abstract

Abstract Background Consent is a core pillar of patient care, especially for surgical procedures under anaesthesia. Some patients lack capacity to consent, and in these cases documentation of capacity assessment and a best interests decision is essential. Error rates on hand-written consent forms can be high and this can be reduced by using electronic consent forms. In a UK DGH, electronic consent was implemented in October 2022, and we look at the impact this has had on the process of consent in patients who lack capacity. Methods We examined the process required for documentation of consent in patients who lack capacity to be sent to the safeguarding team and how many they had received in the 3 years prior to electronic consent implementation. We then compared the process for the safeguarding team to be sent electronic documentation and how many they had received from October-January. Results For paper documentation to be received by the safeguarding team, a clinician would have to scan the MCA and email it to the safeguarding team. In the 3 years prior to October 2022, they had received 1 form. Currently, the safeguarding team request a weekly report from the electronic consent supplier and receive electronic copies directly. They have received 45 to date. Conclusions The implementation of electronic consent has resulted in the safeguarding team having greater insight into the number of patients who are having procedures that lack capacity. This enables them to follow up the patients and ensures better, more holistic, patient care.