Cardiac imaging modalities with ionizing radiation: the role of informed consent.
Informed consent ideally results in patient autonomy and rational health care decisions. Frequently, patients face complex medical decisions that require a delicate balancing of anticipated benefits and potential risks, which is the concept of informed consent. This balancing process requires an understanding of available medical evidence and alternative medical options, and input from experienced physicians. The informed consent doctrine places a positive obligation on physicians to partner with patients as they try to make the best decision for their specific medical situation. The high prevalence and mortality related to heart disease in our society has led to increased cardiac imaging with modalities that use ionizing radiation. This paper reviews how physicians can meet the ideals of informed consent when considering cardiac imaging with ionizing radiation, given the limited evidence for risks and benefits. The goal is an informed patient making rational choices based on available medical information.
Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St Luke's Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215, USA. publishing15@aurora.org
Timothy E
TE
Paterick
M Fuad
MF
Jan
Zachary R
ZR
Paterick
A Jamil
AJ
Tajik
Thomas C
TC
Gerber
D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016365:Liability, Legal; D055420:Perfusion Imaging; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014342:Truth Disclosure