We have identified efforts by research ers to investigate interventions which seek to improve information delivery and consideration of information to enhance  informed consent .
The interventions used consistently improve patient knowledge , an important prerequisite for informed consent .
This is encouraging and these measures could be widely employed although we are not able to say with confidence which types of interventions are preferable .
Our results should be interpreted with caution due to the high levels of heterogeneity associated with many of the main analyses although we believe there is broad evidence of beneficial outcomes for patients with the pragmatic application of interventions .
BACKGROUND Achieving informed consent is a core clinical procedure and is required before any surgical or invasive procedure is undertaken .
However , it is a complex process which requires patients be provided with information which they can underst and and retain , opportunity to consider their options , and to be able to express their opinions and ask questions .
There is evidence that at present some patients undergo procedures without informed consent being achieved .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on patients , clinicians and the healthcare system of interventions to promote informed consent for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive healthcare treatments and procedures .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Informed consent is an important ethical and practical part of patient care .
The use of an information leaflet for patients undergoing wisdom tooth removal.
Attempts to inform the patient about surgical procedures have increased for the purpose s of ensuring informed consent and improving satisfaction with the service provided . Leaflets are being used as an additional aid in general practice and in hospital units . However , such written information is seldom evaluated . This study was conducted to assess the influence of using an information leaflet for patients attending oral surgery clinics at a local dental hospital . Sixty-six patients were included in the study and invited to complete a question naire to assess knowledge of wisdom tooth removal at the time of examination and just prior to surgery . The validity of the knowledge measure had been previously tested . At 1 month follow-up a patient satisfaction question naire was completed by the sample . Patients were r and omised at the examination appointment into four groups . The first group was provided with the leaflet and prompted to read it by the dentist ( WTL + Prompt ) . The second group was given the leaflet but not prompted ( WTL only ) . The two other groups acted as controls . The third group was provided with a dental health education leaflet with no prompting ( Control 1 ) . The fourth and final group was given no additional written material ( Control 2 ) but provided with verbal information and routine warnings in a similar way to all other groups participating in the study . The WTL + Prompt Group showed increased knowledge on retest ( P < 0.001 ) . The WTL Group showed a trend to greater knowledge ( P < 0.06 ) however the control groups showed no improvement ( P > 0.5 ) . Patient satisfaction , although greatest in the group given a leaflet without prompting , was not simply related to leaflet provision
We have identified efforts by research ers to investigate interventions which seek to improve information delivery and consideration of information to enhance  informed consent .
The interventions used consistently improve patient knowledge , an important prerequisite for informed consent .
This is encouraging and these measures could be widely employed although we are not able to say with confidence which types of interventions are preferable .
Our results should be interpreted with caution due to the high levels of heterogeneity associated with many of the main analyses although we believe there is broad evidence of beneficial outcomes for patients with the pragmatic application of interventions .
BACKGROUND Achieving informed consent is a core clinical procedure and is required before any surgical or invasive procedure is undertaken .
However , it is a complex process which requires patients be provided with information which they can underst and and retain , opportunity to consider their options , and to be able to express their opinions and ask questions .
There is evidence that at present some patients undergo procedures without informed consent being achieved .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on patients , clinicians and the healthcare system of interventions to promote informed consent for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive healthcare treatments and procedures .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Informed consent is an important ethical and practical part of patient care .