Informed Consent

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I do not want to start any kind of "flaming".

But what does "informed consent" mean to you when dealing with a laboring woman?

Are possible side effects/benefits listed for each procedure and medication?

Is there time for such information?

Is it expected that patients (particularly one's who've had childbirth classes) know this information?

Again, no flaming please. The thread about fentanyl?(probably misspelled) aroused my curiosity.

mark_LD_RN

940 Posts

to me informed consent means that the patient understands the risks ,benefits and side effects of a treatment,procedure or med.and also their right to refuse such treatment. and yes i think their is time for it. Ideally in my opinion patients would come in prepared and informed to some extent.I also think every pregnant couple should take a birthing class.JMHO

Mkue

1,827 Posts

Excellent Mark.

layna

124 Posts

Not only do pregnant patients need a birthing class...they need as much education in the physician's offices as well so that they are as much informed as possible. If a patient needs to make an informed decision regarding the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during the throes of labor, how can we be reasonably sure that her decision was based on her comprehension of information when she is under the influence of drugs and fatigue? This is why prenatal education is so important.

SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by mark_LD_RN

to me informed consent means that the patient understands the risks ,benefits and side effects of a treatment,procedure or med.and also their right to refuse such treatment. and yes i think their is time for it. Ideally in my opinion patients would come in prepared and informed to some extent.I also think every pregnant couple should take a birthing class.JMHO

Mark, once again, I find myself in total agreement with you. I could NOT say this better myself. Thank you.

frann

251 Posts

Specializes in medical/telemetry/IR.

informed consent also means that the doctor has to talk with them before the procedure for it to be informed. the consents without the doctors don't mean a hill of beans.

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