Gupta M, Madhavan S, Teo FSY, Low JK, Shelat VG. Perceptions of Singaporeans towards informed consent: a cross-sectional survey.
Singapore Med J 2024;
65:91-98. [PMID:
34717299 PMCID:
PMC10942135 DOI:
10.11622/smedj.2021163]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In a patient-centric health system, it is essential to know patients' views about informed consent. The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of the local population regarding informed consent.
METHODS
Spanning 6 weeks from January 2016 to March 2016, a cross-sectional survey of adults attending the General Surgery outpatient clinics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital was conducted. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle- and health-related information, perception and purpose of consent forms, and decision-making preferences were studied.
RESULTS
A total of 445 adults participated in the survey. Most participants were aged below 40 years ( n = 265, 60.1%), female ( n = 309, 70.1%) and degree holders ( n = 196, 44.4%). Also, 56.9% of participants wanted to know every possible risk, while 28.3% wanted to know the common and serious risks. On multivariate analysis, age (61-74 years: odds ratio [OR] 11.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-56.1, P = 0.004; age >75 years: OR 22.2, 95% CI 1.8-279.1, P = 0.017) was a predictor of not wanting to know any risks. Age also predicted risk of disclosure for death (age 61-74 years: OR 13.4, 95% CI 4.2-42.6, P < 0.001; age >75 years: OR 32.0, 95% CI 4.5-228.0, P = 0.001). Most participants (48.1%) preferred making shared decisions with doctors, and an important predictor was employment status (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.9-12.2, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Sociodemographic factors and educational level influence decision-making, and therefore, the informed consent process should be tailored for each patient.
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