Description
In this presentation, Olivia Payton, a trainee from the Royal Orthopedic Hospital, addresses the complexities of the Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) consent process. Payton begins by highlighting how AIS, affecting 1% to 5% of children and adolescents, necessitates complicated surgical interventions that pose significant risks for patients and their families. She emphasizes the importance of clear, timely communication of this information to facilitate informed decision-making.
The research conducted included reviewing literature on common and serious complications following AIS surgery and auditing the consent process for 20 patients, utilizing gold standards to assess the effectiveness of communication regarding risks.
Key findings indicate that while spinal surgeons excel in documenting severe risks like paralysis and infection, there is a notable inconsistency in communicating other complications such as stiffness and blindness. The average score of documented risk information increased from eight to nine when combining consent forms with pre-surgery consultation letters, indicating that additional clarifications during consultations enhance understanding.
Payton also highlights the necessity of tailoring information to individual patient needs and ensuring all discussions are well-documented in letters to accurately reflect what has been communicated. She reflects on the varying practices among consultants in informing patients about risks and stresses the value of ongoing dialogue between healthcare providers and patients, especially in light of evolving patient conditions leading up to surgery.
The audience engages with Payton's insights, discussing practical applications of these findings, the role of consistent medical and nursing staff involvement, and the imperative of adapting the consent process to improve patient understanding in light of changing medical conditions.