Informed Consent in Pediatric Otolaryngology: What Risks and Benefits Do Parents Recall?

ObjectiveTo evaluate parental recall of surgical risks and benefits in pediatric otolaryngology and to assess for factors that may influence recall.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAcademic pediatric otolaryngology clinic.Subjects and MethodsEighty-four parents of children <6 years of age who underwent consultation for adeno/tonsillectomy and/or tympanostomy tube insertion were prospectively enrolled. Consultation visits were video recorded and the benefits and risks of surgery documented. Two weeks following the consultation, parents were contacted for assessment of recall of information discussed during the consultation.ResultsOverall, parents recalled only one-third of the risks of surgery mentioned by the surgeons. Parents were significantly more likely to recall the benefits of surgery as opposed to the risks (P < .001). Nine parents (10.7%) reported that no benefits were discussed during the consultation, and 10 (11.9%) reported no mention of any risks. Inconsistencies were present in whi...