Evaluating the Quality of Obtaining Informed Consent for Spinal Anesthesia in Candidates for Gynecological Surgery Referred to Al-Zahra Hospital During 2021

Background Obtaining informed consent (IC) is essential for any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Objective IC is an important legal communication process between the patient and the physician. Methods In 2021, this cross-sectional study was performed in Alzahra Hospital. Eligible patients over the age of 18 years, who were candidates for elective gynecological surgeries under SA enrolled in the survey. A questionnaire containing demographic data and 20 specific questions divided into 4 areas (providing information, comprehensibility of the consent form, voluntary informed consent, and communication with the doctor), was completed via a direct interview. Results The data from 259 eligible patients were analyzed. In terms of providing information to the patient, comprehensibility of the consent form, and the voluntary obtaining consent were in poor condition. However, in terms of communication with the physician, 46.3% of the patients were in a good state and 20.1% were in an excellent state. A significant relationship was also observed between the level of education and the quality of obtaining IC (P=0.034). Conclusion It was concluded that the IC process was not acceptable in this academic center, and efforts should be made to improve the current conditions.