Abstract
Introduction : Informed consent allows a mentally competent patient to make his/her decision of undergoing a medical procedure after adequate explanation. Individual practice of informed consent varies not only among physicians but among different countries with different cultures, religious beliefs and practices. Methods : We conducted a study to determine the patient's desire for information regarding anaesthesia and surgery; to determine whether variables like age, sex, education, type of surgery and previous anaesthesia experiences have any association with the desire for information and to determine whether patients make their own decisions or want their family to be involved in the decision making process or give consent on their behalf. After written consent, patients visiting the preoperative clinic were asked to fill a questionnaires of 17 pieces of information regarding anaesthesia and surgery. Results : Majority of patients (91%) showed a desire for information. Among different variables only education was found to be significantly associated with the desire for information. Educated patients had a higher desire. A large number of patients wanted to involve family in decision-making and give consent on their behalf. This trend was higher in females and less educated patients. Conclusions : We conclude from our study that educated people in society have more desire for information and autonomy. Our study has also highlighted the influence of culture on the concept of patient autonomy and informed consent.
| Original language | English (UK) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 249-254 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2006 |
Keywords
- Autonomy
- Decision making
- Desire for information
- Informed consent