Effective physician–patient communication is essential before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. With the rising number of older adults undergoing surgery, anesthesiologists increasingly face challenges related to cognitive impairment, sensory deficits, comorbidities, and variable health literacy. These factors make informed consent and shared decision-making (SDM) central to safe, ethical, and patient-centered perioperative care. Informed Consent as a Process Informed consent is not merely a signed form but an ongoing communication process.
It requires clear disclosure of the diagnosis, treatment options, risks and benefits, alternatives, including no treatment, and the patient’s right to withdraw. SDM ensures that medical decisions reflect the patient’s values, goals, and preferences. Consent in Older Adults Age alone does not diminish decisional capacity. Most older adults can…
