From the Guidelines
Informed consent for cryotherapy should be obtained before the procedure, with a thorough discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives, as well as the patient's understanding and agreement to proceed, as emphasized in the guidelines for obtaining valid consent for medical procedures 1. The process of obtaining informed consent is both a basic ethical obligation and a legal requirement for physicians, allowing patients to gain an understanding of the proposed treatment and the risks involved, as well as learn about alternatives or voice any concerns or questions 1. When obtaining informed consent for cryotherapy, it is essential to provide clear, accurate information about the procedure, including the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, common side effects, and potential scarring, as well as alternative treatment options, such as surgical excision, electrosurgery, or topical medications 1. The discussion should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and understanding, with written information provided in advance of the procedure, and verbal information provided by the clinician at the time of the procedure, with the opportunity for the patient to ask questions and seek further information if required 1. It is also important to ensure that the patient's capacity to consent is assessed, and that advice is sought from other colleagues, including a psychiatric team when necessary, if there is doubt about the patient's capacity to consent 1. In addition, the use of plain language, and the provision of information in a format that the patient can understand, such as large print or audio materials, can help to facilitate the informed consent process 1. Overall, obtaining proper informed consent is essential for ensuring that patients are fully informed and able to make decisions about their care, and for minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes and improving patient satisfaction and quality of life 1.
From the Research
Consent for Cryotherapy
- Informed consent is a crucial aspect of cryotherapy, and patients must be fully aware of the procedure, its benefits, and its risks 2.
- Studies have shown that patient comprehension is fundamental to valid informed consent, and current practices often result in inadequate patient comprehension 2.
- Interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent have been evaluated, and results show that interactive digital interventions, verbal discussion with test/feedback or teach-back interventions, and multicomponent interventions can significantly improve patient comprehension 2.
Cryotherapy Procedures
- Cryotherapy is widely used for the treatment of cutaneous warts, and evidence suggests that it is effective in treating common warts 3, 4.
- The effectiveness of cryotherapy in treating plantar warts is still debated, with some studies showing that it is less effective than other treatments such as topical cantharidin-podophylotoxin-salicylic acid 5.
- Cryotherapy can also be used for the treatment of injury and recovery from exercise, with benefits including reduced pain and inflammation 6.
Patient Education and Consent
- Patient education is essential for informed consent, and healthcare providers must ensure that patients understand the procedure, its benefits, and its risks 2.
- Written, audiovisual, and verbal interventions can improve patient comprehension, but interactive interventions appear to be more effective 2.
- Healthcare providers must also consider the patient's education level, health literacy, and race/ethnicity when providing informed consent 2.