Page 21 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part One)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

Informed Consent

Many physicians may view informed consent as merely a
formality necessary to obtain the patient’s signature on a form

so that a specific procedure can be performed, or treatment
and/or medication administered. However, informed consent is

often the most important discussion a physician will have with
their patient.

Physicians have a legal and ethical obligation to provide

patients with sufficient information from which they can
make an informed election and decision about their medical

treatment. What frequently gets overlooked in the informed
consent process, however, is that this discussion is another

opportunity to establish or solidify rapport with patients. An
informed consent discussion involves the patient in their

medical care and helps to set realistic expectations regarding
the proposed treatment plan or procedure. As you will recall, the

unrealistic expectation of a perfect delivery is one of the unique
factors in obstetrics that often leads to large jury verdicts. False

reassurances intended to calm anxious patients may create
unrealistic expectations.

Generally, it is the duty of the physician who performs the
medical test or procedure, or prescribes the medication in

question, to disclose pertinent information to the patient and
ensure that valid consent is obtained. While it is certainly

appropriate to have the patient sign a consent document, this
should be done only after a very detailed discussion between

the physician and patient occurs. The physician may be assisted
by other healthcare professionals in providing patient education

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