Doctor Done, already scrubbed in the OR, told Rita that Sally knew all about the surgery and that she should just have her sign the form. Rita decided to go to her unit manager for guidance. It is a hectic day and an important budget meeting is about to start. Doctor Done is highly respected. Nurse Rita has a reputation for being a little over-eager.
Patients routinely sign the form without discussion.
Stony Brook I would like to start start this case review with the statement that patient consent is always the responsibility of the physician. The physician may delegate the task of explaining the procedure and getting a signature on the consent form to another member of the health care team. However, he may never delegate the responsibility. The policies and procedures of most institutions require consent prior to surgery. Nurse Rita asking the patient to read and sign the consent form is a form of checks and balances on policy and procedure.