DR. SHALAKA AGARKHEDKAR

Dr. RENU MAGDUM

Abstract

Introduction- Law of informed consent defines right to informed refusal. Documentation of refusal involve crucial points – patient’s competency, voluntariness of the decision, no coercion, detailed narration of discussion between Doctor and patient, jeopardy to health, in medical record, reflect voluntary refusal, safe in litigations.

Methods- 2016 to 2018. 232 Ophthalmologists across 9 faculties, AV recording, age 25 to 64 years – from Maharashtra, interviewed Face to face with focus on explaining and documenting adverse consequences of refusal. 152 consent forms evaluated with ICCIS, grade Zero-Two

Results- > 85% Cornea, Squint, explain, rest do not. > 75% not document. 12 Cataract consent form included, rest not.

Conclusion: Most of the Ophthalmologists explain the adverse consequences of refusing surgery but do not document. This notation is missing in 140 Consent forms.

Key words – Refusal of treatment, documentation, Ophthalmologists.

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