Consent

Question 1

Are you able to consent a patient for a procedure as an FY1?

Answer 1

Once you have a full licence, providing you can perform the procedure, you can consent for it
So in essence, no you cannot consent for advanced procedures as an FY1.
Patients questions and concerns must be answered to the best of your ability and appropriately escalated

Question 2

When consenting a patient for a procedure, what key information should you include in your discussion?

Answer 2

You must tailor your approach and discussion around key pt factors - an explanation of the procedure using layman terms, the patient’s needs, level of understanding of their prognosis and options, the nature of their condition, associated risks of the procedure, recovery expectations

Question 3

When must written consent be obtained?

Answer 3

1) Complex treatment or investigations with significant risks
2) If their personal life/employment may be influenced by the proposed actions
3) The proposed action is for a primary reason other than healthcare
4) If the treatment is part of research

Question 4

What is the Bolam test?

Answer 4

Bolam vs Friern Hospital 1957
A doctor’s duty to warn patients of risks was based on whether they had acted in line with a responsible body of medical opinion. This was known as the Bolam test.
i.e. If a doctor reaches the standard of a responsible body of medical opinion, he is not negligent

Question 5

What is the significance of Montgomery and informed consent?

Answer 5

This has replaced the Bolam test on the basis of the MONTGOMERY VS LANARKSHIRE HB 2015 case.
It states that patients should be aware of any material risks and reasonable alternatives.
The GMC advises that doctors tailor the discussion about potential benefits and harms to each individual patient, being guided by what matters to the patient and sharing information in a way they can understand.