Informed Consent and Cultural Diversity

Introduction : Informed consent allows a mentally competent patient to make his/her decision of undergoinga medical procedure after adequate explanation. Individual practice of informed consent varies not onlyamong physicians but among different countries with different cultures, religious beliefs and practices. Methods : We conducted a study to determine the patient’s desire for information regarding anaesthesia andsurgery; to determine whether variables like age, sex, education, type of surgery and previous anaesthesiaexperiences have any association with the desire for information and to determine whether patients maketheir own decisions or want their family to be involved in the decision making process or give consent ontheir behalf. After written consent, patients visiting the preoperative clinic were asked to fill a questionnairesof 17 pieces of information regarding anaesthesia and surgery. Results : Majority of patients (91%) showed a desire for information. Among different variables only educationwas found to be significantly associated with the desire for information. Educated patients had a higherdesire. A large number of patients wanted to involve family in decision-making and give consent on theirbehalf. This trend was higher in females and less educated patients .Conclusions : We conclude from our study that educated people in society have more desire for informationand autonomy. Our study has also highlighted the influence of culture on the concept of patient autonomyand informed consent