title: Improved patient awareness and satisfaction using procedure specific consent forms in carpal tunnel decompression surgery.
abstract: Carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) is a common procedure amenable to procedure specific consent forms (PSCFs). These may help better inform patients and so increase patient satisfaction with the consent process. We assessed the use of a PSCF for CTD. The PSCF mentions eight complications of carpal tunnel surgery and alternative non-operative treatments.   Two groups of 40 patients each were compared prospectively. Patients in one group were issued with a PSCF prior to admission whereas those in the other group were not. After standard pre-operative consent, patients were interviewed prior to surgery and assessed for their awareness of complications and alternative treatment options. The patients who received a PSCF showed greater awareness of different complications and alternative treatments and reported greater satisfaction with the consent process. We conclude that using PSCFs is a very useful and inexpensive adjunct to improve patient awareness and satisfaction with the consent process.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London SW17 0QT, UK. magnusarnander@gmail.com
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Arnander
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Teoh
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Barabas
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Umarji
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Fleming
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D032962:Consent Forms; D003657:Decision Making; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D058926:Intraoperative Awareness / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires