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Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Volume  5, Issue 3 (Supplement), Jul-Sep 2017, Pages 307-307
 

Original Article

Study of Adequacy of Informed Consent for Caesarean Section in a Tertiary Care Centre

Mayuri Verma, Annie Rajaratnam

Mayuri Verma 3rd yr Post-Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yenepoya Medical College & Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Annie Rajaratnam Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yenepoya Medical College & Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

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Abstract

Introduction: Better diagnosis, early referral and increased health care coverage have increased the caesarean deliveries at tertiary-care hospitals of India. With the improvement in the health care system, there is a need for cross-checking the patient’s awareness & knowledge about the caesarean section. While most of the LSCS are done in good faith, it doesn’t escape the purview of consumer awareness and protection. This study aims to audit the awareness among patients about the Informed Consent (IC ) taken prior to the caesarean sections. Objective: To assess the level of patient’s understanding & adequacy of an IC for caesarean section. Methods: A questionnaire was designed including several aspects of awareness of IC & given to 150 post-caesarean patients at Yenepoya Medical College & Hospital, Mangalore (YMCH) from 2016 to 2017 July. Results: 84.6% of patients knew the exact indication. 79.3% were well explained about the procedure. 96% were satisfied with outcome of the procedure. 84% preferred the same institute for their subsequent delivery. 12% reported that consent was forcibly taken. 94% were unaware about the intra-op complications. Only 4.6% were explained about the preferred mode of delivery for the next pregnancy. 92% wanted a vaginal delivery for the subsequent pregnancy. Conclusion: An adequate Informed Consent brings about awareness about risks and complications of caesarean section. Hence an elaborate counseling session during antenatal visits will help better decision making. The main deficiency was that the doctor did not explain the possible intraop and postop complications. This lacunae if corrected will lead to a better patient doctor relationship and bring down medicolegal litigations.