A new informed consent form model for cancer patients: Preliminary results of a prospective study by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM)

OBJECTIVES: To document the preliminary validity of a new informed consent form (ICF) model in terms of face/content validity and feasibility, to collect patients' and oncologists' opinions on it, and to explore physicians' and patients' 'knowledge', 'opinions' about 'the information exchanged'. METHODS: The working group for informed consent promoted by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology developed a new ICF model which was tested in ten Italian cancer centers. Patients and physicians received questionnaires on the new ICF model. Twenty-six independent oncologists were interviewed to collect their opinions. RESULTS: Seventy eight cancer patients were enrolled: about 90% reported having received information about diagnosis and therapy and 80% about prognosis. About 63% of oncologists had no difficulty in administering the ICF. Oncologists used 'correct terms' about diagnosis in 92% of patients with localized disease and in 90% with metastasis and about therapy in respectively 75.7% and 80%. About prognosis, oncologists used 'vague' and 'no information-no pertinent terms' in 79% of patients with localized disease and 92.5% of patients with metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: The ICF seemed to have sufficient validity and feasibility. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: This ICF model could mean that patients require oncologists to spend more time explaining the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, increasing patient's opportunities to participate actively in the care process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]