Stepping Up Informed Consent: Navigating Foot and Ankle Orthopedics

Abstract

Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons have an ethical obligation to obtain proper informed consent, ensuring that their patients are thoroughly educated about their diagnosis, risks, benefits, and alternatives of all possible treatment options. This study explores several critical aspects of the informed consent process in foot and ankle orthopedics, including: (1) its current state; (2) barriers that hinder the acquisition of adequate informed consent; and (3) potential solutions based on these identified barriers. The current literature suggests effective approaches to improve the quality of informed consent include using patient-appropriate language, standardized education materials, extended physician-patient visit times, and translation assistance. Utilizing plain language and supplemental materials, such as animated videos and standardized reading materials, enhance patient comprehension and decision-making. Integrating these methods with personalized patient-surgeon discussions results in optimal informed consent quality and patient satisfaction. Additionally, extended visit times, ideally 15 to 30 minutes, improve understanding, while interpreter services ensure clear communication for nonnative speakers. The findings of this study reveal significant deficiencies in the current informed consent process for foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery, which compromise patient autonomy. Implementing solutions to improve the quality of informed consent is necessary to protect patient autonomy and protect surgeons from litigation.

Level of Evidence: IV