Page 28 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part One)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

made as soon as possible after verbal consent is given. It is a

good idea to have a place on the consent form for the patient
to sign, preceded by a statement that he or she understands

the information given and consents to the medical intervention.
Documentation of the consent process in the medical record

should be dated and signed by the practitioner. In an electronic
system, this may require that the forms be printed and then

scanned after signing, or that the system allow for an electronic
authentication process to be employed by the patient.

When documenting informed consent, it is wise to avoid the use

of summary statements such as, “The patient was advised of the
potential risks/complications of the operation and alternatives.”

Rather than using this boilerplate and generic language, note
at least some of the actual risks, complications, and alternatives

discussed with the patient. For example, a better entry would
state that “information regarding the risks, complications,

and alternatives was discussed with the patient and/or
family, including but not limited to…”, followed by the specific

information discussed and any questions asked by the patient.

Along the same lines, avoid generic forms. As mentioned

before, a hospital’s consent form typically does not include the
risks unique to the procedure being performed and may not

accurately reflect your discussion with the patient.

While the most serious risks for a procedure may be rare,
it is important to include those in your discussion and

documentation as well. If a lawsuit results from a consent issue,
juries may factor in the patient’s willingness to accept the risks

if they could potentially result in infection, bleeding, injuries to
adjacent organs, sterility, paralysis, blindness, and death/injury

to the fetus when weighing the patient’s allegation that they

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