An audit cycle of consent form completion: A useful tool to improve junior doctor training.
BACKGROUND
Consent for surgical procedures is an essential part of the patient's pathway. Junior doctors are often expected to do this, especially in the emergency setting. As a result, the aim of our audit was to assess our practice in consenting and institute changes within our department to maintain best medical practice.


METHODS
An audit of consent form completion was conducted in March 2013. Standards were taken from Good Surgical Practice (2008) and General Medical Council guidelines. Inclusion of consent teaching at a formal consultant delivered orientation programme was then instituted. A re-audit was completed to reassess compliance.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven consent forms were analysed. The re-audit demonstrated an improvement in documentation of benefits (91-100%) and additional procedures (0-7.5%). Additional areas for improvement such as offering a copy of the consent form to the patient and confirmation of consent if a delay occurred between consenting and the procedure were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The re-audit demonstrated an improvement in the consent process. It also identified new areas of emphasis that were addressed in formal teaching sessions. The audit cycle can be a useful tool in monitoring, assessing and improving clinical practice to ensure the provision of best patient care.
The Sheffield Hand Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S5 7AU, UK.
Catherine
C
Leng
The Sheffield Hand Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S5 7AU, UK.
Kavita
K
Sharma
Audit cycle; consent form completion; consenting in surgery; junior doctor training