Surgical consent forms- using layman terms

[SRainny9]

Is anyone at a facility that uses "layman" terms on surgical consents? Recently, we are being required to write out the surgical procedure (as indicated by the MD), and also write the surgical procedure in "layman" terms. Apparently this was recommended by corporate lawyers. Sounds great, except for one minor problem. The MD is not the one writing in the "layman" terms, so it is up to the nurse to interpret the surgical procedure, which often times is quite complicated and not even understood exactly what is being done. Nurses have expressed being uncomfortable with this procedure, as it seems like we are having to give informed consent in a way, because what we interpret the procedure to be is what the patient is going to understand and will actually be on the consent form itself. However, we have no choice in the matter.

Personally, I find this unsafe, and I think it puts the nurse at risk. I would welcome any input, especially from others that work at a facility that is doing this also.

[brownbook]

We don't do any of that yet. But I like the way jean67's facility does it. It makes no sense for patients to be signing for procedures with anatomical or medical terms they don't understand.

But for the nurse to be interpreting in her own words what the doctor's consent to read means is not the way to do it.

[ZippyGBR, BSN, RN]

That's one more reason for the physician to be the one obtaining the permits. IMHO

P

the UK guidance is that ideally the Practitioner performing the operation should get consent, and if not it should be a Practitioner who can perform the procedure - which in most cases means Higher Specialist Trainees (StR 3/4+) or Career Grade Docs ( staff grade , Ass Spec or Consultant)

[KRTRN]

I work at a small Critical Access Hospital. We are now required to write on the consent an explanation of the surgical procedure in layman's terms, in addition to the surgical procedure. I noticed that at least one of you had encountered this problem in the past, and found another facility that had a solution. If there are examples of how you are doing this would you please post them for me? I'm sure we're not the only hospital with this problem. Thanks!!! KRTRN

[brownbook]

I know that all a nurse is signing is "Yes I wittnessed this patient sign this consent." But I never understood that. Am i saying, "yes I wittnessed the patient sign this form, but legally, morally, ethically, I have no responsibilty that they had any idea what they were signing for." It just doesn't make sense.

Yes the surgeon must write out what the consent to read is. In addition I think it is a wonderful idea, and I hope it becomes mandatory, for the patient to write in their own words what is being done. Or the nurse to write with quoatation marks, what the patient told to her is being done.

[brownbook]

I know that all a nurse is signing is "Yes I wittnessed this patient sign this consent." But I never understood that. Am i saying, "yes I wittnessed the patient sign this form, but legally, morally, ethically, I have no responsibilty that they had any idea what they were signing for." It just doesn't make sense.

Yes the surgeon must write out what the consent to read is. In addition I think it is a wonderful idea, and I hope it becomes mandatory, for the patient to write in their own words what is being done. Or the nurse to write with quoatation marks, what the patient told to her is being done.