Le Consentement Libre et Eclairé à l’Acte Chirurgical : Perception des Patients en Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique: Informed consent to surgery: patient perceptions in orthopaedic and traumatological surgery

Abstract

Introduction. To clarify the value of informed consent in orthopaedic surgery and to describe how it is perceived by patients. Patients and methods. One hundred and fifty (150) successive patients undergoing scheduled or unscheduled orthopaedic surgery were collected from Mai 2022 to December 2022 at the Yaoundé Emergency Centre (Cameroon). Clear and detailed information was provided pre-operatively during an oral interview with a view to signing the form. A set of evaluation questions related to the information received and the content of the consent form was asked after the surgical procedure. Results. Ninety-five per cent (94,6%) of patients remembered the consent form. 20% signed it without hesitation. 70% asked their family for clarification. In 15% of cases, patients were reluctant to sign because of the use of osteosynthesis equipment. 75% of patients expressed satisfaction. Conclusion. Free and informed consent in orthopaedic and trauma surgery is an essential step in the process of patient acceptance of surgery. The form is an essential tool for informing patients about their postoperative satisfaction