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Informed consent is an educational opportunity
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KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — The increasing emphasis on refractive outcomes has altered the risk-benefit ratio and, as a result, has increased the need for proper informed consent, according to a speaker here.
 Terry Kim |
In an era in which patients are expecting exact refractive results after cataract surgery and an expanding array of implant options are available for quality pseudophakic vision, it is increasingly important to obtain informed consent from each patient, Terry Kim, MD, said at Kiawah Eye 2010.
However, it may help to view the informed consent process as an educational opportunity rather than a legal document. Independent research has shown that lack of informed consent is rarely the main reason for medical litigation, but rather, how consent is sought by the physician. According to Dr. Kim, receiving consent from sedated patients, coercion on the day of surgery and failure to warn a patient about potential complications, especially in experimental treatments, are more frequent reasons for litigation.
The informed consent conversation is an opportunity to have an active dialogue with the patient, gauge the patient's personality and expectation level, and provide the patient with his or her various options.
Informed consent continues to evolve in the field of cataract surgery. Recent technological advancements for more precise astigmatism correction with toric IOLs and astigmatic keratotomy, and presbyopia correction with multifocal and accommodative IOLs have changed the landscape for patients who may be interested in being less dependent upon eyeglasses following cataract surgery. We have learned from refractive surgery over the last 20 years the value of making patients less dependent upon optical aids, and modern-day cataract surgery now affords that option for many patients. In my opinion, all patients should be informed of the option to have their astigmatism and presbyopia reduced or eliminated by choosing these implants and techniques which have evolved into the mainstream of modern-day cataract surgery. Simply being open to patients about their options will go a long way toward a positive experience for both patient and doctor in this era of modern-day cataract surgery.
– Richard J. Duffey, MD
Premier Medical
Eye Group Mobile, Ala.
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