Level of understanding in surgical patients undergoing operative procedures

Process of informed consent is the most important communicating tool before making any surgical decision in patients undergoing operative intervention. level of understanding and informed consent is a complex issue. we conducted prospective randomized double blind study on level of understanding about consent. data was collected for a large number of patients from general surgical,orthopaedic and other allied specialties. we included patients undergoing elective as well as emergency procedures. in our study,majority of patients have poor understanding about procedure,its pros and cons,level of surgery,level of surgeon,post-operative care and expectations. we recommend ways of improving communication,in order to reduce complaints and dissatisfaction afterwards.