Informed Consent: Sharing the Decision (ICONS)

This innovative educational initiative was developed as a direct and constructive response to the communication inadequacies exposed by the Montgomery case, and subsequent legislation. While it is not difficult to give "more information" it is harder for surgeons and patients to achieve a decision partnership. The ICONS workshop content has been informed by internationally recognised experts in Shared Decision Making, by consensus among senior practising surgeons, by patients and by professional experts in risk management and risk communication. Delegates on the ICONS workshops will acquire skills and knowledge to implement best practice in sharing the complex decisions surrounding informed consent. By participating in a workshop, they will also contribute to the development of resources for future training in the important area of informed consent.

Target audience

All grades of trainees; SAS / LED / Trust Doctors; Consultants. Non FRCS surgeons – Ophthalmologists; Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Learning style

Focussed topic introductory talks. Small group facilitated discussion tutorials based on review of exemplar videos of consent and other patient doctor communication scenarios.

Aims & objectives

• The objectives of the course include:
• Learn the potential catastrophic and costly consequences of failure adequately to share important surgical decisions.
• Recognise the importance of discussion treatment options rather than risks.
• Understand key features of the case Montgomery v LHB 2015.
• Appreciate the legal view of Shared Decision Making.
• Identify key elements of a Shared Decision Making consultation.
• Understand how to deliver treatment recommendations.
• Gain new consultation skills.
• Identify and apply effective ways of risk communication.
• Appreciate the role of decision support tools before, during and after the clinical encounter.
• Understand the added value of writing letters directly to patients.

Learning outcomes

Having attended the ICONS workshop you will be able to:

• Understand the practical importance of the Montgomery decision.
• Identify the key elements of a Shared Decision Making consultation.
• Discuss options including surgery – elective and emergency.
• Employ efficient methods of eliciting patient needs, preferences and values in a busy clinic.
• Understand the added value of patient activation before options are discussed, and decision distribution thereafter.
• Develop skills for well-balanced, meaningful surgeon patient interactions.
• Communicate risk to patients in a more realistic way.
• Appreciate the role of recommendation.
• Review the limitations of and variation in current consent forms.

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