However, there is no clear consensus on what constitutes a material risk. To ensure adequate information for consent, patients must understand the “material risks” and expected benefits of treatment. By discussing options before making a recommendation, the surgeon may reduce undue influence on the patient's decision ( McCullough et al., 1986). Additionally, to the extent possible, information should be provided in a way that is understandable to the average layperson and facilitates his or her meaningful participation in treatment planning. Extraneous information that is unlikely to impact the patient's decision may be withheld. The extent of information to be provided is generally based on the physician's assessment of what information may impact diagnosis and treatment planning. This process allows for open discussion between the provider and the patient and may theoretically help reduce medical errors, improve patient outcomes, and increase patient empowerment ( Cordasco, 2013).Ī comprehensive informed consent consists of four basic elements: (1) description of the clinical problem, the proposed treatment, and alternatives including no treatment (2) discussion of the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment with comparisons to the risks and benefits of alternatives, and discussion of medical/clinical uncertainties regarding the proposed treatment (3) assessment of the patient's understanding of the information provided by the medical provider and (4) solicitation of the patient's preference and consent for treatment ( Cordasco, 2013). Informed consent refers to the process by which a patient and medical provider discuss a proposed medical treatment, its anticipated consequences, potential risks and benefits, and alternatives. Partin MD, PhD, in Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology, 2021 Elements of Informed Consent
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