Surgeons Can Improve Informed Consent with the "Better Conversations" Framework
In an article published in The Hastings Center Report, the authors argue that the current informed consent process in surgery is inadequate, as it overwhelms patients with technical details and lacks clear communication about the goals and downsides of surgery. The authors propose a different framework, "better conversations," where surgeons clearly explain the surgery's clinical norms, goals, and downsides, creating a deliberative space for patients to make informed decisions, and more.