Consent and Information for Patients
CONSENT AS AN ACTIVE PROCESS
Information
There is no statute which clearly defines what information should be given to patients about anaesthesia, and different countries’ legal systems have taken slightly divergent views. The AAGBI guidance is shown in Table 19.1. It must be emphasized that the anaesthetist should adapt this to the individual patient and surgery. For instance, visual loss after prone surgery is a rare but significant procedure-related complication which is relevant to specific patients.
TABLE 19.1
AAGBI Guidance on Information Which Should be Provided to Patients Relating to Anaesthesia
Generally what may be expected as part of the proposed anaesthetic technique. For example, fasting, the administration and effects of premedication, transfer from the ward to the anaesthetic room, cannula insertion, noninvasive monitoring, induction of general and/or local anaesthesia, monitoring throughout surgery by the anaesthetist, transfer to a recovery area, and return to the ward. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, fluids and antiemetic therapy should also be described.
Postoperative recovery in a critical care environment (and what this might entail), where appropriate.
Alternative anaesthetic techniques, where appropriate.
Commonly occurring, ‘expected’ side-effects, such as nausea and vomiting, numbness after local anaesthetic techniques, succinylcholine pains and post-dural puncture headache.