An evaluation of patients comprehension of orthopaedic terminology: implications for informed consent.
We conducted a prospective study into patient comprehension of orthopaedic terminology that commonly appears on consent forms. The majority of patients questioned were unsure of the meaning of simple terms such as 'fracture reduction' or 'internal fixation'. All the patients questioned had signed consent forms recently for such procedures in an acute orthopaedic unit. We conclude that many patients willingly consent to procedures that they do not fully understand. This implies that there is an element of trust involved in the process of giving consent. We believe that this aspect of the doctor-patient relationship should be legally respected.
McCormack
D
D
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Evoy
D
D
Mulcahy
D
D
Walsh
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic