Publication:

Exploring the adequacy of informed consent for caesarean section at a tertiary care center

Background The objective was to study adequacy of valid informed consent in caesarean section and to quantify the proportion of patients who receive a proper informed consent before undergoing caesarean section.

Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving 200 registered antenatal women undergoing caesarean section for various reasons both as elective or emergency basis, and data was analyzed.

Results Among the study group, 98.5% patients were informed about the said procedure in their own local language and consent was taken, in 3 (1.5%) patients informed consent was not taken. Detailed procedure was explained to only 29 patients (14.5%) whereas 171 patients (85.5%) had no clue about the detailed nature of the procedure. 193 patients (96.5%) were satisfied with the given informed patients; 7 patients (3.5%) were not satisfied.

Conclusions Women need consistent and adequate information for consent. Sessions should be held regarding the procedure, its risks and benefits; in this way patient will undergo the procedure with proper knowledge, awareness and confidence.