Answers
1. Is it a legal requirement to obtain a signed consent form prior to any surgical procedure?
A. No – a consent form is at best just some evidence that valid consent has been obtained.
B. Yes – a consent form holds more validity than verbal consent.
C. No – but you should get written consent from a patient if the investigation or treatment is complex or involves significant risks.
2. A 77-year-old patient is booked in for a cataracts operation. She has signed a consent form, but is still nervous. Can she change her mind?
A. No, you should tell her she has to go through with it.
B. Yes, patients can withdraw their consent at any time. It may be worth talking through her concerns, but if she is competent and understands the issues, her view should be respected.
C. Yes, within three working days.
3. A patient who may be infected with HIV is very anxious and shows reluctance to consent to testing. Do you carry out the test anyway?
A. Yes, but first make sure they sign a consent form.
B. No – the implications of HIV testing can affect somebody’s social, professional and financial standing. Specific training on counselling should be obtained before taking consent for this type of investigation.
C. Yes – if a patient is nervous you should not discuss a procedure in too much detail – more information might unsettle them.