DR. SHALAKA AGARKHEDKAR

Dr. RENU MAGDUM

Abstract

Introduction: Consent is ethical obligation, legal compulsion, shared decision, evidence as defense against litigations. Disclosure not useful unless patient understands. Methods: 2016 to 2018. 232 Ophthalmologists across 9 faculties with age 25 to 64 years – from Maharashtra, interviewed Face to face with focus on Confirmation and assessing Understanding of patient, critical aspects of surgery, complications, with AV recording. Crucial aspects of Understanding and assessment, graded as ZERO -TWO as ICCIS-arbitrary score validated by experts, analyzed. Results: Majority Ophthalmologists confirm and assess understanding of patient by observing their facial expressions, 21% of Pediatric by cross questioning patients, >75% Cornea, Pediatric, VR and Oculoplastic ask patient to repeat information. Conclusion: Not aware about importance of confirmation and different methods for assessing understanding of patients.

Key words – Informed Consent, Understanding of Patients, Ophthalmologists.