Patient consent to observation. Responses to requests for written consent in an academic family practice unit

Abstract

Objective: To examine patient rates of consent to observation and response to being asked for written consent.

Design: Patients were asked to provide written consent for a supervising physician to observe a resident performing a physical examination, or for both direct observation and videotaping of the visit. After the visit, all patients were interviewed, and patients who had given written consent completed a questionnaire.

Setting: The family practice unit at a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Participants: A representative sample of new and returning patients.

Main outcome measures: Patient consent to observation or videotaping.

Results: Most patients (92.2%) agreed to be observed. Of those asked only for consent to observe, 97.3% agreed. Of those asked for consent to observe and videotape, 85.2% agreed. When specifically asked, 22% of patients who agreed to observation expressed concerns.

Conclusion: We must devise clear policies and procedures for obtaining patient consent that are both sensitive to patients' concerns and administratively effective.