RCOG World Congress 2025

Digital or Paper? :Experience of using digital consent for Obstetrics emergency procedures
M. Deshpande , S. Shristi
The Princess Alexandra Hospital , Essex, Harlow, United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

Digital consent (electronic consent /e-consent) has been shown to improve accuracy of information provided with high patient satisfaction rate.

This enables-

•Ability to store consent electronically

•Medicolegally adequate

•Can attach information with it .

OBJECTIVE

Due to complex nature of consenting during childbirth , paper is still commonly used in emergency Obstetrics .

We aimed to evaluate electronic consenting from user perspective.

METHOD

A questionnaire ,designed to obtain feedback regarding digital consent was completed by 60 users who underwent unplanned intrapartum surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Majority of users were using digital consent for the first time (53 out of 60 users).

•82% users reported information was easy to follow

•85% found it said it was easy to sign it on the tablet

•64% users were satisfied with size of the tablet screen to read the information.

•35% users recalled reading the risks on the tablet

•95% users recalled the doctor verbally explaining the risks.

•85% users appreciated ability to send and store electronic copy of the consent

•66% users expressed that they would have liked to see the form antenatally for information.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion, digital consent is acceptable tool for emergency obstetrics with better documentation , electronic storage and better user engagement.

RCOG World Congress 2025

Digital consent or Paper consent form for Obstetrics emergencies ?

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