Consent in Limb Reconstruction: Predicting the Material Risks

Description

This presentation features Peter Calder, the Deputy Medical Director at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, discussing the process of informed consent in limb reconstruction surgery. He introduces the topic by thanking his colleagues and emphasizes the importance of standardized consent forms that adapt information sharing between patients and clinicians. Calder highlights the disparities in consent processes across different cultures, referring to a letter from Tim Briggs and the Get It Right First Time Team advocating for a standardized consent form to help improve patient-care provider communication for various surgical procedures.



The presentation further outlines the need for comprehensive risk assessments in surgery, specifically in limb lengthening procedures. Sonia Makvana, a registrar in the Limb Reconstruction Unit, shares key points about informed consent and clinical practice, highlighting the significance of effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. She emphasizes that informed consent is an ongoing process and discusses the material risks associated with limb lengthening, drawing on a literature review to present statistically significant complication rates from various studies.



Calder and Makvana conclude by addressing the challenges of informed consent and the potential for standardized consent forms that could facilitate clearer communication and better preparation for surgical risks, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in the field of orthopedic surgery.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240734

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