What is the term for a new informed consent to surgery following new medical information?

From the Guidelines

The term for a new consent to surgery following new medical information is "re-consent" or "informed re-consent." When a patient has already provided consent for a surgical procedure but new, significant medical information emerges that could affect their decision, healthcare providers must obtain a fresh consent, as stated in the guideline for obtaining valid consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures 1. This process involves explaining the new information to the patient, discussing how it might impact the risks, benefits, or alternatives to the planned procedure, and allowing the patient to reconsider their decision based on this updated information. Some key points to consider when re-consenting a patient include:

• Informing the patient about any changes in guidelines related to the procedure, such as surveillance intervals or risk of disease, as noted in the guideline 1
• Discussing any significant changes in the patient's condition or medication that may affect the procedure, as emphasized in the guideline 1
• Confirming that the patient still wishes to proceed with the procedure, even if no new information needs to be provided or further questions answered, as recommended in the guideline 1 Healthcare providers should document this new consent conversation thoroughly in the medical record, including the specific new information provided and the patient's understanding and decision. This practice protects both the patient's right to self-determination and the provider from potential liability issues, and is essential to uphold the ethical principle of patient autonomy, as supported by the guideline 1.

From the Research

Informed Consent for Surgery

The term for a new consent to surgery following new medical information is not explicitly defined in the provided studies. However, the concept of informed consent is discussed in detail.

• Informed consent is an integral component of good medical practice, and it involves a competent doctor, adequate transfer of information, and consent of the patient 2.
• The process of informed consent is not just a signature on a piece of paper, but rather a collaborative process that fosters participation and provides information to help patients reach treatment decisions 3.
• The elements of informed consent include discussing the nature of the illness, the operation, and potential complications, as well as assessing patient understanding 3.

Challenges in Obtaining Informed Consent

There are several challenges in obtaining informed consent from surgical patients, including:

• Patients' poor awareness of their rights 4
• Failure to provide adequate information to patients 4
• Absence of consideration of patients' educational level 4
• Unclear definition of who is responsible for obtaining informed consent from patients 4
• Time constraints 4
• Use of unclear language and medical jargon 4

Documentation of Informed Consent

The documentation of informed consent is also an important aspect of the process.

• The hospital consent for surgery form with the patient's signature is a small part of the process 5.
• A quality assurance review of the documentation of informed consent may indicate major deficiencies 5.
• Surgeons must keep up to date with patient and legal expectations regarding informed consent 5.