Quality of consent documentation pre- and post-implementation of electronic consent (eConsent) in rhinology: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND

Electronic consent (eConsent) and procedure-specific consent forms have been highlighted as methods of improving the consent process. In this two-cycle audit, we assessed the quality of consent documentation pre- and post-implementation of eConsent.

METHODS

We reviewed paper (first cycle) and eConsent (second cycle) forms for discussion of benefits, risks and alternatives for septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. A survey which included the System Usability Scale was distributed to clinicians.

RESULTS

Post-implementation of eConsent, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of risks documented in septorhinoplasty (p-value < 0.001) though this was not the same for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Feedback was generally positive with a System Usability Scale score of 85.3 indicating high usability.

DISCUSSION: The implementation of eConsent with procedure-specific consent forms in our centre was well received with significant improvements in septorhinoplasty documentation and more modest improvements in FESS.