A comparison of techniques: informed consent for resident involvement in cataract surgery

Abstract Objective To compare three different techniques of obtaining informed patient consent and the relative acceptance rates for resident involvement in cataract surgery. The techniques differed with regards to physician-patient interaction, and how resident involvement was presented. Design A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care ophthalmology department with a recently established residency training program. Participants 356 patients undergoing informed consent procedure for cataract surgery. Methods Charts of all patients undergoing cataract surgery by 3 cataract surgeons from October 2009 to March 2010 were reviewed. Patient demographics, the documentation of a specific request for resident participation, and the patient response were recorded. Response rates were analyzed between the three different techniques/surgeons. Results Consent to resident participation was found to range from 21% to 86%. Higher acceptance rates were associated with direct personal conversation between surgeon and patient. Conclusion High acceptance rates for resident involvement in cataract surgery can be achieved with full disclosure of resident involvement to patients.