Multidisciplinary Team Discussions and the Inclusion of Individualized Patient Factors May Improve Informed Consent in Sports Medicine

Abstract

Informed consent allows for the maintenance of patient autonomy and is essential in establishing trusting relationships between physicians and their patients. This process involves thorough discussion of the risks and alternatives, as well as the short- and long-term outcomes, of proposed treatment options. Inadequacies with informed consent can lead to inferior patient outcomes and may be subject to severe legal consequences. Individualized discussions are warranted to address the questions of these patients, whether it be the high-level athlete or the weekend warrior. This review highlights factors, identifies barriers, and proposes potential solutions to improve informed consent within orthopaedic sports medicine.