Informed consent: consent by signature or information?

ABSTRACT

Obtaining informed consent is an ethical requirement for respecting the autonomy of the patient. However, assumptions concerning the patient's capacity to understand the explanation and its risks sometimes lead to a situation in which the patient signs consent form without a true understanding of the possible complications and ramifications of the procedure. Sufficient time must be allocated to assure that the patient has a full understanding of the risks and benefits and that the patient's questions have been answered before he or she signs the consent form