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News & Knowledge

Risk Management Guide: Informed Consent and Informed Refusal

Informed consent goes far beyond a signature on a consent form; it is a process of ongoing conversations that are held at critical points in the care process. Inadequate communication while obtaining a patient’s informed consent for a proposed treatment or procedure contributes to almost 25% of surgical malpractice claims. It is also one of the more easily remedied malpractice risks that clinicians face. Establishing a robust informed consent policy involves input from clinicians and care team members and a commitment to shared decision-making between clinicians and patients. Informed consent process Patients have the right to make decisions about their medical treatment. Before initiating treatment, clinicians must obtain consent from…

Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them.

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