Article Text
PDF
Abstract
Background Informed consent is a concept accepted largely in the world, however its interpretation varies. Understanding the diagnosis and process of treatment should be a crucial part of doctor-patient relationship.
Methods We have assessed 100 patients with a new breast cancer diagnosis (50 in each centre). We have compared the consent forms, risks mentioned to the patient and proposed surgery. A questionnaire was given to patients following the consent process to assess patients‘ satisfaction with information given and possibility of outcome change.
Results In the UK, patients were given a surgical management plan with multiple potential risks listed on consent. Patients in Czech were given all possible surgical options without specific plan and only few complications. Patients in the UK were satisfied although some of them would appreciate fewer information on risks. Patients in Czech had trust in the doctor’s decision however majority of them would appreciate the exact procedure proposed and more information regarding risks.
Conclusion Although patients had very different experiences, the vast majority would like to hear the exact type of procedure that is being done and list of significant risks.
This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.