INTRODUCTION: The present study gathers information on the influence of a consent form for liver biopsy on the information and anxiety of patients. METHODS: The study had two phases, which included 30 patients each: before the consent form was started and the second once it was started. Two questionnaires were administered to every patient: one to evaluate the degree of patient's information, and the other to evaluate the patient's anxiety. RESULTS: Patients who received the consent form were more informed on the obtention (p < 0.001) and complications (p < 0.0001) of the biopsy, more satisfied with the information (p < 0.0001) and showed no increased anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: While apparently changes observed are not exclusively accounted for by consent form, this seems to be helpful and encouraging to improve patient's information.
INTRODUCTION: The present study gathers information on the influence of a consent form for liver biopsy on the information and anxiety of patients. METHODS: The study had two phases, which included 30 patients each: before the consent form was started and the second once it was started. Two questionnaires were administered to every patient: one to evaluate the degree of patient's information, and the other to evaluate the patient's anxiety. RESULTS:Patients who received the consent form were more informed on the obtention (p < 0.001) and complications (p < 0.0001) of the biopsy, more satisfied with the information (p < 0.0001) and showed no increased anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: While apparently changes observed are not exclusively accounted for by consent form, this seems to be helpful and encouraging to improve patient's information.