Informed Consent

Informed Consent… More than just signatures?
YES. Absolutely.

We talk a lot about patient safety and quality of care, but we don’t talk enough about the conversation that makes both possible — informed consent.

Too often, consent gets reduced to a form and a signature. But legally and ethically, that’s not enough. The provider performing the procedure is responsible for making sure the patient truly understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

And here’s the part we don’t emphasize enough:
👉 Informed consent is one of the strongest trust building tools we have.
When done well, it shows respect, strengthens communication, and empowers patients to participate in their own care.

A strong informed consent discussion should document:
1️⃣What the procedure is and why it’s being recommended
2️⃣Risks and potential complications
3️⃣Expected benefits and realistic outcomes
4️⃣Alternatives — including doing nothing
5️⃣The patients’ questions and how they were addressed
6️⃣Confirmation that the patient demonstrated understanding (“teach-back”)
7️⃣Date and time, physician and patient signatures on the informed consent form (AFTER the above discussion)

Of course, emergencies happen. When immediate action is required and consent isn’t possible, providers must still document:
⚕️The nature of the emergency
⚕️Why consent could not be obtained
⚕️The treatment required to protect the patient
⚕️A dated/timed note explaining the circumstances

Bottom line: Informed consent is not paperwork. It’s communication. It’s safety. It’s trust. And it’s one of the most powerful ways we can elevate patient care.