Informed consent forms in medical practice: the results of a knowledge survey

"Federico II" University of Naples Hospital Management's Staff considered 47 informed consent forms in order to evaluate quality and quantity of the information transmitted to patients. Every form, distinguished by procedure (surgical, pharmacological, anesthesiologic or related to blood transfusions) was evaluated for the accuracy and validity of information related to: diagnosis, prognosis, diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities, expected benefits, adverse-side effects, iatrogenic risks, privacy policy on personal data. The forms were judged by information completeness criteria "conformed" or "not conformed" with standards. Our analysis demonstrate that physicians often are unaware of legal and ethical topics related to constructing informed consent forms. They usually omit crucial information or would use strict technical language. So far, we conclude Hospital Management's Staff definitively has a role in improving informed consent forms by establishing guidelines and promoting ethical issues. Final result could be to deserve stronger patient confidence in medical institutions