Implementation of Informed Consent in Obstetrics and Gynecology Operations in Khartoum- Sudan 2009

Abstract

Objectives: - This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study, done in Khartoum state to assess patients and providers’ knowledge and practice on informed consent in obstetrics and gynecology operations during year 2009.
Methodology:- After an informed consent from patients and hospital directorate, data was collected by interview of both patients and health care providers at department of obstetrics and gynecology in all Khartoum state hospitals, during the period from first of January to 31st of December 2009.
Results: - In this study, 544 patients and 393 health care providers were included. Informed consent is known to be important to 355 (90.3%) of health care providers, its contents are wholly or partially known to 263 (66.9%). It was taken for surgical operation by 298 (75.8%) of providers, it was written in 279/ 298 (93.6%) and verbal in 19 /298 (06.4%). Written consent was signed by the husband, the patient herself or her relatives. Lack of time and language are the main reasons for, not taking an informed consent.
Conclusion: - Although informed consent is relatively implemented; its requirements were not properly fulfilled. Not taking an informed consent is influenced by multifactorial barriers including lack of time, language and lack of experience. Pre and in-service training on informed consent and communication skills, with detailed format of informed consent will improve the situation.

Keywords: labour, medical ethics, legal litigations.