Are You Giving Informed Consent Correctly? A Doctor’s Guide

Informed consent is one of the most fundamental aspects of medical practice. It is not just a legal requirement—it is an ethical obligation and a cornerstone of patient autonomy. Yet, in the fast-paced world of medicine, where time is limited and decisions must often be made quickly, it’s easy for informed consent to become a routine checkbox rather than a meaningful conversation.
But are we truly giving informed consent the right way? Are we ensuring that patients fully understand their options, risks, and choices? More importantly, are we making it a patient-centered process rather than a mere legal formality?

Let’s break it down and explore how to make informed consent more effective, ethical, and truly patient-centered.

What is Informed Consent? (And Why It’s More Than Just a Signature)

At its core, informed consent is the process by which a patient voluntarily agrees to a medical intervention after receiving and understanding:

✅ The nature of the procedure or treatment
✅ The risks and potential complications
✅ The benefits and expected outcomes
✅ Alternative options (including doing nothing)
✅ The opportunity to ask questions and make an autonomous decision

Many doctors believe that getting a signed consent form means the patient is informed. However, a signature is just documentation—the real informed consent happens in conversation.

Example: A patient signing a surgical consent form without fully understanding the procedure is not true informed consent. The goal is to educate, engage, and empower the patient in their decision-making.

Are You Truly Involving the Patient in the Decision?

One of the biggest mistakes in the informed consent process is one-way communication. If a doctor simply explains the risks and benefits without engaging the patient, it’s not real informed consent—it’s just a medical monologue.

How to do it right:

• Instead of saying, "This is what we’re going to do," say, "These are the options available to you—let’s go through them together."
  
  
• Instead of assuming "they’ll let me know if they have questions," ask, "What concerns do you have? What would help you feel more confident in your decision?"

A patient who actively participates in the conversation is more likely to remember information and feel empowered in their choice.

Tip: Use the "teach-back" method—ask the patient to repeat the key points of the discussion in their own words to ensure comprehension.

Beyond Medical Jargon: Are Patients Truly Understanding You?

Doctors often use complex medical terminology without realizing how confusing it can be for patients. What makes sense to you as a medical professional may sound overwhelming or unclear to someone without a healthcare background.

Example: Instead of saying, "This procedure carries a 10% risk of thrombosis," say, "There’s a small chance of a blood clot forming, which could require additional treatment."

✅ Use simple, everyday language
✅ Give relatable examples ("This is similar to the risk of complications after a long flight.")
✅ Use visual aids—diagrams, videos, or models can make explanations clearer

Making sure the patient truly understands the information is just as important as the information itself.

Are You Addressing the Patient’s Concerns and Personal Values?

Informed consent is not just about facts—it’s about the patient’s values, concerns, and preferences.

✅ Some patients prioritize quality of life over longevity
✅ Others may have religious or cultural considerations
✅ Some might be more concerned about recovery time than statistical risk

Example: A patient considering chemotherapy might say, “I’m more worried about losing my hair than the cancer itself.” This is important information because it shapes how you discuss treatment options.

A better informed consent process takes the patient’s personal values into account—not just medical facts.

Are You Giving Patients Enough Time to Decide?

Many medical decisions do not need to be made immediately—yet, patients often feel pressured to decide on the spot.

✅ For elective procedures, encourage patients to take their time, discuss with family, and ask more questions.
✅ For urgent decisions, acknowledge the pressure and make sure the patient still feels like they have a choice rather than being rushed.

Example: "I know this is a lot to take in. Take some time to think about it, and let me know what other questions come up."

When possible, offer decision aids (written materials, videos, or online resources) so patients can review information at their own pace.

Are You Including Shared Decision-Making?

Shared decision-making (SDM) is the gold standard of informed consent. Instead of the doctor deciding for the patient, SDM encourages deciding with the patient.

✅ The doctor provides medical expertise
✅ The patient shares their values, goals, and concerns
✅ Together, they reach the best decision

Example: Instead of saying, "You need a knee replacement," say, "A knee replacement is an option, but let’s discuss whether it fits with your goals for mobility and lifestyle."

Shared decision-making strengthens trust and patient satisfaction while ensuring decisions align with the patient’s life, not just their diagnosis.

Are You Aware of Legal and Ethical Pitfalls?

Even with good intentions, incomplete informed consent can lead to medical-legal risks.
✅ Common pitfalls to avoid:
❌ Rushing through consent due to time constraints
❌ Failing to discuss alternative treatments
❌ Not documenting the discussion properly
❌ Assuming verbal consent is enough without proper documentation

While the main purpose of informed consent is ethical, thorough documentation also protects doctors in case of legal disputes.

Final Thoughts: A Better Approach to Informed Consent

✅ Make it a conversation, not a monologue
✅ Simplify medical language
✅ Acknowledge patient values, fears, and goals
✅ Encourage shared decision-making
✅ Give patients enough time to decide
✅ Document the discussion properly

Informed consent done right is not just about legal compliance—it’s about respecting the patient’s right to make informed choices about their own health.

By improving how we communicate, engage, and respect patient autonomy, we can make informed consent a truly patient-centered experience—one that builds trust, improves care, and strengthens the doctor-patient relationship.