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Attitudes of patients and anaesthetists to informed consent for specialist airway techniques *
Author(s) -
Bray J. K.,
Yentis S. M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.02749.x
Subject(s) - medicine , informed consent , intubation , airway , anesthesia , alternative medicine , pathology
Summary We investigated the attitudes of 96 patients and 163 anaesthetists to the need for obtaining informed consent before specialist airway techniques. Participants were asked to score six questions using a numerical scale, as to whether they thought consent was necessary before specific procedures, particularly in relation to fibreoptic intubtion used for teaching or maintaining skills. Significant differences in opinion were found between patients and anaesthetists despite a wide range of views. Overall, patients felt that specific consent was required for non‐routine techniques, whilst anaesthetic respondents felt this was unnecessary, even if teaching. We conclude that guidance in obtaining consent is needed to support anaesthetists wishing to practice or teach fibreoptic intubation.