In a previous existance, I was a neurosurgical registrar in London.
We were very precise on written consent. Being a talkative sort I used to
use the patients' CT, models and drawings to explain the op, get the
consent, and afterwards would repeat the explanation.
In the clinic 6 weeks later for follow-up, the patient would say "what did
you do Doctor?" so I have little belief that informed consent exists even
in cold elective work.
On a personal note, my better half has had 10 ops in the last 9 years, I
tend to remember the extensive information given. She always has a
completely different memory of the event and seems to be surprised at the
outcomes even when they were predicted. Not having to suffer the intimate
worries myself, only the second hand ones, I wonder if I am able to retain
wheras she is not.
As to consent in the stress of an emergent situation, I think this is
another example of Political Correctness which in reality can never be
achieved and will allow the **** lawyers the whip hand as usual!
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