Review of informed consent in gynecological and obstetrical interventions with curettage: a study of 20 spanish centers

Abstract

Informed consent is a very important document in legal medicine, as well as in the doctor-patient relationship. The informed consent has been widely developed in Spain with Law 41/2002 that regulates Patient Autonomy and Health Documentation and Information related Right and Obligations. The Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that many claims in their speciality have their origin in this issue. So, we reviewed this document in 20 Spanish medical centers (public and private) in curettage interventions and various medical societies and public institutions. Protocols for administration and the content of the informed consents checked were acceptable in most of them, except the private centres for voluntary interruption of pregnancy. We conclude that curettage should have a more homogeneous protocol of informed consent between public and private centres; the information should be adapted for each patient; a signed copy of the document should be given to the patient; and informed consent should be provided at least 24 hours before the intervention