Issues of consent in renal transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Renal transplantation is a semi-elective procedure. The specific risks of surgery are well-known. Obtaining informed consent is a complex process made more complicated in transplantation by the long-term nature of some of the risks involved.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted of consultant transplant surgeons to establish current practice regarding the levels of information and risks discussed as part of the consent process.


RESULTS
Responses were received from 47 (76%) of consultants. Risks were discussed by a range of individuals. Pre-assessment clinics were used by 70% of units to start the process. Only 74% routinely discussed malignancy and only 75% the risks of cytomegalovirus infection. Risks with individual organs were discussed by 32 (68%)--particularly HLA match, cold ischaemia, sensitisation, donor age and caused of donor death.


CONCLUSIONS
The current practice identified by this study falls broadly within General Medical Council guidelines on informed consent. There is wide variation in current practice which is highlighted and discussed in relation to case law and the levels of risk that a patient should expect to be informed of.
McLaren
A
A
High Wycombe General Hospital, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Morris-Stiff
G
G
Casey
J
J
D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011364:Professional Practice; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D006113:United Kingdom