Informed Consent for Surgical Anesthesia Care: Has the Time Come for Separate Consent?

Parental Recall of Anesthesia Information

“…Instead, informed consent is a process and while the consent document may provide important information, it is no substitute for the informed discussion that must occur between the physician and the parent/patient 2,18. In many institutions (including ours), the consent document for anesthesia is incorporated into the surgical consent form and, as such, signed consent is often obtained several weeks before surgery by surgical providers who may lack the appropriate training to provide detailed information about anesthesia 11,12. Regardless of when or by whom the consent signatures are obtained, anesthesia providers are required to meet with the parent on the day of surgery in order to discuss the anesthetic plan and to complete the consent process.…”

“…Although some institutions have moved towards anesthesia-specific consent forms, others use integrated surgical/anesthesia forms which are often administered by surgical providers who may lack the interest or expertise to provide detailed information about anesthetic options or risks and benefits 11,12. To our knowledge, there are limited data regarding parent recall of anesthesia information, particularly when provided by different personnel.…”

Is it time to separate consent for anesthesia from consent for surgery?

“…Anesthesiologists need to do this to ensure that the patient is fully informed of the process, risks, benefits, and alternatives. [2]…”

Not just a separate consent for anesthesia!

“…[10] Assessment of patients' capacity is also an essential component of informed consent. [11] This is difficult because of the limited time available for interaction and because we lack specific definitions and tools for identification of adequacy of capacity. This is an area which can be developed with the help of our psychology colleagues.…”