A Closed Loop Audit Evaluating Provision of Written Information for Surgical Consent
Background
Why this project was needed
The Royal College of Surgeons and the GMC both emphasise that robust consent processes should include provision of written patient information, decision aids, and information leaflets in advance of surgical consultation. Written information enhances patient understanding, facilitates informed decision-making, reduces medicolegal risk, and provides patients with an accessible reference beyond the verbal consultation. Despite these standards, the provision of written information leaflets prior to consent for surgical procedures is inconsistently implemented in many units. This closed loop audit was conducted at PRUH to evaluate baseline provision, implement a standardised leaflet intervention, and assess the impact of the intervention on compliance.
Aims
What the project set out to achieve
To evaluate whether written information leaflets are provided to patients during the consent process for surgical procedures, and to assess the impact of introducing standardised written information on compliance.
Objectives
Specific measurable steps
- Retrospectively review EPIC records for 50 patients to assess documentation of written information provision at baseline.
- Develop standardised written information leaflets for common hand surgical conditions.
- Implement leaflet provision during clinic appointments at Beckenham Beacon.
- Re-audit after 4 months to assess change in compliance following the intervention.
- Compare pre- and post-intervention rates to close the audit loop.
Discussion
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