Psychiatrists' documentation of informed consent: a representative survey.
OBJECTIVE
To review psychiatrists' documentation of informed consent and present data on Canadian psychiatrists' attitudes and practices regarding documentation of the informed consent process.


METHODS
We surveyed a stratified random sample of psychiatrists practising in Ontario, using a mailed self-report questionnaire.


RESULTS
The response rate was 72%. Among respondents, 63% routinely documented the consent process, with younger respondents reporting more documentation than older ones. Although most respondents (77%) favoured recording the consent process, only 11% felt signed consent forms were necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences in the self-reported documentation behaviour of younger and older psychiatrists. Psychiatrists should document the consent process in the clinical record.
Schachter
Debbie
D
Child, Youth and Family Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario. Debbie_Schachter@camh.net
Kleinman
Irwin
I
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D011570:Psychiatry; D012737:Sex Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents