Evaluation of different Informed Consent models in Breast Surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of different Informed Consent models in Breast Cancer Surgery
IRAS ID
138343
Contact name
Samy Shaheed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton an Sussex University Hospital
Research summary
Different trusts adopt different models of obtaining an informed consent in breast surgery. While in some units an informed consent is obtained on the same day of giving the bad news and discussing the treatment options, other units feel happy to leave the consent to be just signed on the day of surgery itself. Many units, on the other hand, consider bringing the patients for another visit before the surgery to re-discuss and confirm their choice before signing the form.
Surgeons in support of the first model, claim that as long as patients are happy with the surgical procedure, a consent can be obtained and it saves the patients an extra unnecessary visit, while surgeons in support of the other two models believe that patients can not usually absorb much information after being given bad news, and they need time to consider the different options. Asking patients to sign consent on the day of surgery can be criticised as not giving patients time if they want to re-discuss the surgical procedure, while supporters claim that patients have already had enough opportunity to ring back if they needed to. Many surgeons believe that staged consent, obtained by bringing the patients for another visit is the best way to ensure that patients have had enough time to absorb the information given and a chance to re-discuss and confirm their decision.
The aim of this study is to evaluate which model provides the best way in obtaining an informed consent in accordance with the GMC guidelines.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/0120
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion