Recall of informed consent after endoscopic procedures.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine if recall of informed consent is affected by the timing of obtaining informed consent before endoscopic procedures.


METHODS
Sixty patients scheduled for colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled in this prospective, randomized study. Each patient received informed consent 24 to 72 hours or immediately before the procedure, and follow-up occurred one to three days postprocedure.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in recall of informed consent or the individual elements of informed consent (indication, risks, benefits, alternatives) between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Recall of informed consent is similar whether consent is obtained immediately or several days before endoscopic procedures.
Elfant
A B
AB
Divisions of Colorectal Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden 08103.
Korn
C
C
Mendez
L
L
Pello
M J
MJ
Peikin
S R
SR
D000648:Amnesia, Retrograde / Q000209:etiology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000009:adverse effects; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors