Informed consent in dermatology: a narrative review

Abstract

Informed consent is a legal and ethical obligation of healthcare providers, and there are several steps that must be followed for informed consent to be obtained. Numerous challenges exist to obtaining informed consent including gaps in health literacy, language barriers, impaired decision‐making capacity, and inadequacy of informed consent forms. Dermatologists must understand the importance and process for obtaining informed consent to protect patients as well as avoid litigation. This narrative review provides an overview of the process of obtaining informed consent, insight into the top challenges that clinicians may face with suggested recommendations, and a brief review of litigation from improper consent among dermatologists.

Standardized Informed Consent Form for Clinicians Administering Platelet-Rich Plasma

“…According to the literature, informed consent is crucial in defending against malpractice claims, however, studies suggest that the informed consent process among clinicians and the understanding among patients is incomplete and needs improvement [12,13]. This incomplete informed consent can leave clinicians at risk for malpractice claims, which can be used against them in court.…”