If you can’t remember informed consent questions to ask, you can always just say:
“What else can you do?” or “Can we wait and do nothing? Why or why not?”
Informed Consent Questions:
1. Is this an emergency, or do we have time to talk?
2. What would be the benefits of doing this?
3. What would be the risks?
4. If we do this, what other procedures or treatments might we end up needing as a result?
5. What else could we try first or instead?
6. What would happen if we waited an hour or two (a day or two, a week or two, etc.) before doing it?
7. What would happen if we didn’t do it at all?
Other Questions to Ask
Your doctor, nurse or midwife are all required by law to discuss benefits, risks, alternatives, and options with you, otherwise known as informed consent. but they are sometimes extremely busy. They have you and your baby’s best interest at heart but they don’t have to live with any consequences of decisions made. Here are some questions to ask regarding any possible procedure or treatment, or test
- I don’t understand.
- Please explain this to me.
- What could happen to me or my baby if I do that?
- What are my other options?
- Please show me the research to support what you’re recommending.
- Where can I get more information?
- I have some information I’d like to share with you.
- I’m uncomfortable with what you are recommending.
- I’m not ready to make a decision yet.
- I’m thinking about getting a second opinion.
- And remember any question that you have is a question worth asking. It’s important to let your caregiver know when you don’t understand. Ask again, until you do.
