Informed consent knowledge, experiences and perspectives among clients receiving non-surgical healthcare services at Mulago National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background: In medical ethics, healthcare providers have a moral obligation to ensure that all information about the patient’s condition and any proposed procedures are communicated and that the patient is not harmed. This is in line with respect for the patient and their autonomy. Informed consent in medical practice is essential and a global standard that should be sought at all times doctors interact with patients. Study Aim: This study aims to assess informed consent knowledge, experiences and perspectives among clients receiving non-surgical diabetic healthcare services at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, using qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Clients were randomly selected and interviewed face-to-face, using In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with guided, semi-structured questionnaires at MNRH at the diabetes clinic in the outpatient department. Results: 35 IDIs were conducted. 29 of the participants were patients and 6 were caretakers. After transcription and analysis, results showed that knowledge of clients regarding IC was generally low. Majority of the participants interviewed had not been given any information regarding the offered healthcare services or interventions. Majority of the participants had not been given chance to participate in the decision-making process prior to receiving healthcare services. Majority of the clients interviewed believed that IC was important and necessary and that they ought to always be given a chance to discuss with the healthcare providers before and during any healthcare service or treatment. Conclusions: This study revealed that IC knowledge is still very low among patients and their caretakers. Very few clients had knowledge about IC, its importance and what constitutes it. The study confirmed that medical paternalism exists and is a common practice at MNRH. The study revealed that majority of clients were not satisfied with the nature and amount of information given to them by the healthcare providers at MNRH.