Gaining Consent for Carotid Surgery: A Simulation-Based Study of Vascular Surgeons

Abstract

AIM: Despite no formal training in consenting patients, surgeons are assumed to be competent if they are able to perform an operation. We tested this assumption for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Thirty-two surgeons [Group 1: junior surgical trainees--performed 0 CEA's (n=11); 2: senior vascular trainees--1-50 CEA's (n=11); 3: consultant vascular surgeons - > 50 CEA's (n=10)] consented two patients (trained actors) for a local anaesthetic CEA. The performance was assessed at post hoc video review by two independent assessors using a validated rating scale and checklist of risk factors. RESULTS: There was no difference in performance between the junior and senior trainees (1: median 9..