Informed consent: myth or reality in the surgical units of Yaoundé Central Hospital?

Abstract

Introduction: Our study aimed to evaluate the practice of informed consent among patients undergoing surgery.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven surgical units at Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). A 14-item structured questionnaire was administered to explore the content and adequacy of the information provided to patients and the methods used to obtain consent. Data on age, sex, responses to the questions, and adequacy score were collected and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients were recruited. The mean age of patients was 37.38 ± 21.26 years, with 80.6% being men. Participants were informed of their diagnosis (n=153, 98.7%), of the nature and purpose of the surgery (n=139, 89.7%), of the expected benefits (n=150, 96.8%), of the type of anesthesia (n=137, 88.4%), of the anesthetic risks (n=127, 81.9%), of the need for postoperative medication (n=124, 80%), and of the outcome if surgery was refused (n=132, 85.2%). Only 42 participants (27.1%) had been informed of the risks and complications of surgery. The information adequacy score was statistically higher in ENT-HNS units (p=0.006) and Maternity (p < 0.001). A total of 151 (97.41%) participants had signed a consent form.

Conclusion: The process of obtaining consent for surgery was satisfactory, although the information provided to the patient was incomplete.