Informing patients about the uncertainties and risks of new surgical procedures

Abstract

Informing patients thoroughly is vital in obtaining proper consent. It is particularly important for procedures with limited evidence of efficacy or with well-recognised concerns about safety. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance makes recommendations about informing patients fully when considering these procedures and specifies giving written information. This audit of hospitals around the UK shows considerable variation in the availability of written information for a range of such procedures and exposes some of the difficulties perceived by surgeons in providing this information for their patients.