Importance of decision making and informed consent
Communication, partnership and teamwork
Informed Consent is a fundamental principle of the patient journey. Ultimately, the process of informed consent is a communication between the patient and the surgeon. Any patient has the right to be involved in decisions about their treatment and care and to make informed decisions.
The dialogue leading to a decision
As noted by the GMC (General Medical Council), the purpose of the dialogue between the patient and the surgeon is:
- To help the patient understand their role in the process, and their right to choose whether or not to have treatment.
- To make sure the patient has the opportunity to consider relevant information that might influence their choice between the available options.
- To try and reach a shared understanding of the expectations and limitations of the available options.
Understanding what is involved
The exchange of information between the surgeon and the patient is central to good decision making. It’s during this process that you can explain what’s important to you and share your hoped for outcome, so that Mr Amar can identify the information you will need to make the decision, presented in terms which are suitable for facilitating your understanding of them.
This will include the nature of the proposed procedure along with the risks, benefits and limitations of proposed options and reasonable alternatives, including the option to take no action.
There will be a lot of information to take in during the consultation process, but it is important not to worry about remembering everything. Mr Amar will write to you summarising your discussion, his examination findings and the potential plan that you discussed. In addition to this we will share procedure specific informed consent forms for you to read in your own time, and invite you back to return for a second consultation.
Furthermore, by then you will have received a quote for the proposed procedure enabling you to consider the financial aspects. It is important that you read through the procedure information consent forms so that you have a clear understanding and ask any questions that you may have prior to your cosmetic surgical or non-surgical procedure.
Surgical patient journey
BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
All surgical procedures are teamwork between the surgeon and the patient. You would not run a marathon without training so you need to prepare for any surgery. From the time you book the procedure ensure you get good rest, eat well and take gentle exercise. Alcohol consumption should be limited as should smoking.
If a patient feels prepared for surgery then they will arrive for their procedure feeling positive which in turn will reduce any anxiety and encourage a stress-free recovery.
One day before you undergo your cosmetic surgery procedure you will be called by one of the pre-assessment nurses who will reconfirm your admission time and remind you of the last time you are able to eat or drink. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask.
PRE-OPERATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
Both a pre-operative and psychological screening questionnaire will be emailed to you by the Hospital, which must be returned to prior to your surgery. Your anaesthetist, the pre-assessment team and Mr Olivier Amar and will review this information prior to your surgery.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
Plan your journey to the Hospital or clinic and arrange for a friend, family member or partner to accompany you home after surgery.
You must arrange to be looked after for the first 24 hours by a responsible adult, this can be a relative or friend. If you are taking a taxi home your ‘responsible adult’ must accompany you and if you have children at home you must ideally arrange childcare for the first 24 hours.
Ensure that you wear loose, comfortable clothing which is easy to put back on when you go home.
Smoking prior to your surgery greatly increases the risk of anaesthetic complications. If you smoke you will be advised by your consultant to stop at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure and in some cases for an even longer period of time. This is for your own safety as smoking decreases healing and consequently allows infection and poor scarring.
CHECKLIST TO FOLLOW PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY
- Refrain from applying fake tan for a period of 7 days prior to your operation date
- Do not apply any moisturiser to your skin for a period of 24 hours prior to your operation
- Do not drink any alcohol 48 hours prior or post surgery
- Ensure you are well hydrated the day before your surgery, and if your procedure is in the morning please try and have a snack in the evening before going to bed
- Remove false eyelashes or nails including acrylic and gel overlays, makeup and piercings before you arrive at the clinic
- Shower either the evening before or the morning of your operation, wash your body and scalp with an antimicrobial wash such as Hibiscrub
- Do not apply anything topically to your skin after showering including deodorant
- Tie your hair up if it is long
- Advise your nurse before surgery if you think there is any chance you may be pregnant
- Ensure that fingernails and toenails are varnish free
ON THE DAY
On the morning of surgery you will meet the anaesthetist then Mr Olivier Amar will go through the procedure again and will be present as you sign consent forms.
We ask that you check in with the main Reception. You will arrive for admission one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time. Once you are settled in your bay or room you will meet the Ambulatory nurse who will confirm some personal details with you and conduct some pre-operative tests ie temperature and blood pressure.
After the operation you will wake up in the recovery area. Mr Olivier Amar will see you after the procedure to ensure you are ready to be discharged. You will have all the necessary telephone numbers and or email addresses to hand so that you can reach us with any questions you might have.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
You will initially wake up in the recovery room, then once you are more awake, you will be taken to your designated ambulatory bay, where you will be able to relax and have something to eat and drink. The period from arriving in recovery to discharge, varies dependant on the individual and on the procedure, we advise anytime up to 4 hours.
Mr Olivier Amar and your anaesthetist will visit you to let you know how things went during your procedure and to check on your recovery. The nursing team will be taking care of you and will also discharge you, dependant on how you are feeling and when Mr Olivier Amar is satisfied that you are okay to go home.
AFTERCARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Mr Olivier Amar will write to you the day after your surgery summarising your aftercare recommendations, received verbally on your day of surgery. You will be asked to come in for a post-operative nurse appointment one week after your surgery. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, stitches removed and your preliminary healing will be assessed. Mr Olivier Amar will see you at six weeks after surgery to assess your recovery and scarring.
