FIGO best practice guidance in surgical consent

Obtaining medical consent preoperatively is one of the key steps in preparing for surgery, and is an important step in informed decision making with the patient. According to good medical practice guidelines, doctors are required to have the knowledge and skills to treat patients as well as inform them, respect their wishes, and establish trust between themselves and their patients. Valid consent includes elements of competence, disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness. Documentation of these elements is also very important. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Education Communication and Advocacy Consortium (ECAC) has realized that the quality of consent varies considerably across the world and has developed simple guidelines regarding consent and procedure-specific checklists for the most common obstetric and gynecological procedures.

Automated summary

Obtaining medical consent is a crucial step in surgical preparation and informed decision making with patients. Valid consent should involve elements of competence, disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness, and documentation of these elements is essential. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has developed guidelines and checklists to improve the quality of consent worldwide.