[Ethical stakes of information in radiation oncology: Thinking the risk and building the therapeutic alliance]. / Enjeux éthiques de l'information en oncologie radiothérapie : penser le risque et construire l'alliance thérapeutique.

Informing patients before receiving radiation therapy is a fundamental ethical imperative. As a condition of the possibility of autonomy, information allows people to make health decisions concerning themselves, which is required by French law. This information includes in particular the potential risks due to radiation therapy. It is therefore necessary to think about what risk is, and how to define and assess it, in order to finally communicate it. The practice of informing people involves many ethical issues relating to the very content of the information, the form in which it is transmitted or even the intention that leads the health professional to say (or not to say) the risk. The transmission of information also questions the way to build a relationship of trust with the patients and how to integrate their own representations about these treatments. Between the risks of paternalism or even defensive medicine, this practice is at the heart of our professional practice.

[Understanding/acceptance of radiotherapy: An ethical dilemma resolved by an ethics of care]. / Compréhension/acceptation de la radiothérapie : un dilemme éthique résolu par une éthique de la considération et de la sollicitude.

PURPOSE: Ethical questions are poorly investigated specifically in radiation oncology. The objective of the study was to identify and understand the main ethical issue in radiation oncology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative analysis was based on the answers to a questionnaire of 200 professionals from 22 radiation oncology departments. The questionnaire mainly aimed to characterize the main ethical issue. A monocentric qualitative analysis was based on semi-structured interviews focused on the main identified ethical issue, carried out with eight technologists, and 20 patients undergoing radiotherapy. RESULTS: The main ethical issue was the understanding and/or acceptance of the treatment by the patients (71 %), which frequently arises (more than once a month) (52 %), and corresponds to an ethical tension between the principles of respect for autonomy and beneficence (the good as viewed by the patient) as defined by Beauchamp and Childress. The technologists, wish the patient to be fully involved in his treatment, with the even possibility of refusing it. However, excluding paternalism and autonomic relentlessness, the technologists have the feeling of acting for the good of the patients by treating them with radiation, even if the patients are not always aware of it, because they are within a situation of vulnerability. If the hierarchy of principles is a compromise alternative, this problem is finally well resolved by the effective implementation of an ethic of consideration and solicitude, restoring the patient capabilities, i.e. the maximum development of his potentialities in his situation of vulnerability. Beyond the legal dimension, patient information is crucial and must consider the specific temporality of the patient. CONCLUSION: The main ethical issue in radiation oncology is the understanding and/or acceptance of the treatment involving the development of an ethic of consideration and solicitude.

Physician-Patient Relationship in Current Cosmetic Surgery Demands More than Mere Respect for Patient Autonomy-Is It Time for the Anti-Paternalistic Model?

The ethical framework of cosmetic surgery is distinct from the one associated with clinical medicine. This distinctiveness has led to significant difficulties in conceptualizing the physician-patient relationship (PPR), as most models have been developed specifically for the latter. The purpose of this article is to show that the PPR in cosmetic surgery can be better described through a distinct approach that we name the anti-paternalistic model of the PPR, and we will briefly present the differences between it and autonomy-based models. We will analyze the principle of non-interference, the variable degree of autonomy of both the patient and the physician within this relationship, the handling of the relevant information, the principle of beneficence as satisfaction, the difficulties regarding the informed consent, the algorithm allowing for the refusal of the procedure, and children-related issues. Based on this analysis, we will show that an anti-paternalistic model of the PPR is preferable to an autonomy-based one, as it allows for better clarification of the underlying ethical issues involved in cosmetic surgery.

"What are my options?": Physicians as ontological decision architects in surgical informed consent.

The aim of a theoretically ideal process of informed consent is to promote the autonomy of the patient and to limit unethical physician paternalism. However, in practice, the nature of the medical profession requires physicians to act as ontological decision architects-based on the medical knowledge that they acquire through their experience and training, physicians ontologically determine a subset of viable courses of action for their patient. What is observed is not an unethical physician limitation or biasing of the patient towards certain treatment options that violates patient autonomy or consciously undermines informed consent, but rather a more foundational paternalism that is necessarily inherent to the physician-patient relationship. In this article we argue for a recognition of this underlying physician paternalism and posit that this necessary paternalism is not a foil to patient autonomy, but rather a foundational aspect of the duties of the medical professional within the physician-patient relationship.

Discussões sobre bioética, direito penal e pacientes testemunhas de Jeová / Discussions on bioethics, criminal law, and Jehovah's witness patients / Debates sobre bioética, derecho penal y pacientes testigos de Jehová

Resumo Este estudo tem como finalidade refletir sobre os aspectos bioéticos e jurídicos implicados na relação médico-paciente testemunha de Jeová. Para isso, o trabalho abordará, inicialmente, a relação médico-paciente diante dos impasses terapêuticos desse grupo de pacientes, estudando essa relação do ponto de vista histórico e elucidando os pontos acerca dos pacientes adeptos à religião. Em seguida, abordar-se-ão os princípios bioéticos envolvidos no cuidado do paciente testemunha de Jeová, discutindo cada princípio e sua incorporação ao atendimento desse grupo. Por fim, será discutida a abordagem jurídica à luz dos direitos fundamentais do paciente, caracterizando as normas constitucionais e penais que se aplicam ao cuidado dos profissionais de saúde a pacientes adeptos a essa religião.

Abstract This study aims to reflect on the bioethical and juridical aspects tied to the doctor-Jehovah's Witness patient relationship. To that end, the work will focus, initially, on the doctor-patient relationship faced with the therapeutic obstacles of this group of patients, studying the relationship from the historical standpoint and elucidating the topics about the patients of this religion. Then, we will focus on the bioethical principles involved in the care for Jehovah's Witness patients, discussing each principle and its incorporation to the care for this group. Finally, we will focus on the juridical approach in the light of the patient's fundamental rights, characterizing the constitutional and criminal norms that apply to the care of health professionals to patients of this religion.

Resumen Este estudio tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre los aspectos bioéticos y legales involucrados en la relación médico-paciente de los testigos de Jehová. Para ello, se abordará inicialmente la relación médico-paciente ante los impasses terapéuticos de este grupo de pacientes desde la perspectiva histórica teniendo en cuenta a los pacientes practicantes de esta religión. Luego, se plantearán los principios bioéticos involucrados en el cuidado del paciente testigo de Jehová, discutiendo cada principio y su incorporación en la asistencia a este grupo. Por último, se discutirá el enfoque jurídico a la luz de los derechos fundamentales del paciente, caracterizando las normas constitucionales y penales que se aplican a la asistencia de los profesionales de la salud a los pacientes practicantes de esta religión.

¿Es posible obligar a las personas a vacunarse? Nudge contra el coronavirus / Is it possible to force people to be vaccinated? Nudge against coronavirus / É possível obrigar as pessoas a vacinar-se? Cutucar contra o coronavírus

Resumen: Sabemos que el mundo enfrenta una terrible pandemia. La ciencia, con esfuerzo y prontitud, ha podido desarrollar diversas vacunas contra el covid-19, generando ello grandes expectativas. Sin embargo, por diversos factores, los procesos masivos de vacunación no han avanzado a la velocidad requerida; uno de los principales es la resistencia de muchas personas a vacunarse, aduciendo diferentes razones. Frente a esta situación se ha oscilado entre la realización de campañas de publicidad hasta propuestas de imposición forzada. Una alternativa para ir más allá de lo meramente lírico y lo coercitivo es generar formas de motivación para que aquellas personas decidan voluntariamente vacunarse a través de diversas medidas, directas e indirectas, apelando a "Nudge" -o "teoría del pequeño empujón"-, con el fin de propiciar la mejor protección de la salud individual y colectiva, tema del que trata el presente artículo, a partir de la revisión bibliográfica sobre la materia y diversas experiencias en la lucha contra el coronavirus.

Abstract: We all know that the world is facing a terrible pandemic. Science, with effort and promptness, has been able to develop various vaccines against Covid-19, generating great expectations. However, mass vaccination processes have not advanced at the required speed due to various factors; one of the main ones is the resistance of many people to get vaccinated, for different reasons. Faced with this situation, it has oscillated between carrying out advertising campaigns to proposals for forced imposition. An alternative to go beyond the merely lyrical and coercive is to generate forms of motivation for those people to voluntarily decide to be vaccinated through various measures, direct and indirect, appealing to "Nudge" -or the "little push theory" - in order to promote the best protection of individual and collective health, the subject of this article, based on the bibliographic review on the matter and various experiences in the fight against coronavirus.

Resumo: Sabemos que o mundo enfrenta uma terrível pandemia. A ciência, com esforço e prontidão, pode desenvolver diversas vacinas contra a Covid-19, gerando grandes expectativas. Sem dúvida, os processos massivos de vacinação não avançaram à velocidade requerida por diversos fatores; um dos principais é a resistência de muitas pessoas a vacinar-se, alegando diferentes razões. Frente a esta situação, observou-se uma oscilação entre a realização de campanhas de publicidade a propostas de imposição forçada. Uma alternativa para ir além do meramente lírico e do coercitivo é gerar formas de motivação para que as pessoas decidam voluntariamente vacinar-se através de diversas medidas, diretas e indiretas, apelando a "Nudge" -ou a "teoria do pequeno empurrão"- a fim de propiciar a melhor proteção da saúde individual e coletiva, tema do que trata o presente artigo, a partir da revisão bibliográfica sobre a matéria e diversas experiências na luta contra o coronavírus.

Acknowledging vulnerability in ethics of palliative care - A feminist ethics approach.

Patients in need of palliative care are often described as vulnerable. Being vulnerable can sometimes be interpreted as the opposite of being autonomous, if an autonomous person is seen as an independent, self-sufficient person who forms decisions independently of others. Such a dichotomous view can create a situation where one has experiences of vulnerability that cannot be reconciled with the central ethical principle of autonomy. The article presents a feminist ethical perspective on the conceptualisation of vulnerability in the context of palliative care. It does so through the lens of the concepts of inherent and pathogenic vulnerability from the taxonomy on vulnerability suggested by Mackenzie et al. To differentiate between forms of vulnerability, is important since even though vulnerability can be regarded as a shared life condition it can be the product of practices creating harm to the patient. The article also presents an analysis of how vulnerability can be included in the interpretation of the ethical principle of autonomy, in order to be relevant in palliative care where vulnerability is salient, namely, as relational autonomy. Furthermore, two practical implications for nursing practice are suggested. Firstly, to acknowledge vulnerability as a shared life condition one needs training in order to neither be overwhelmed by one's own vulnerability, nor become invulnerable when facing vulnerability in others. Secondly, to foster relational autonomy includes navigating between the patient exercising their autonomy within a framework of relations, and shielding the patient from paternalistic practices. Nurses could be particularly suited for this role, which includes creating an environment which is open and supportive; navigating between patient, family and staff; seeing and acknowledging the complex situation in which patient autonomy is actually played out; and promoting patient autonomy.

It Only Affects Me: Pharmaceutical Regulation and Harm to Others.

In her Pharmaceutical Freedom, Jessica Flanigan argues that antibiotics can be regulated consistent with her otherwise largely deregulatory view with respect to pharmaceuticals and recreational drugs. I contend in this essay that the reasons for justifying antibiotic regulation are reasons that can be offered to justify the regulation of many other drugs, both pharmaceutical and recreational. After laying out the specifics of Flanigan's view, I suggest that it is amenable to the regulation of drugs like varenicline. Though such drugs can legitimately improve the quality of a patient's life by helping them quit smoking, they could be permissibly regulated if they expose others to impermissible risks. I then argue that recreational drugs like alcohol could be regulated using the same reasoning. In the penultimate section of this essay, I anticipate objections that one might have to my extension of arguments favoring antibiotic regulation to drugs correlated with aggression. Flanigan might find my extrapolation of her view as entirely plausible and accept that her view is relatively friendly to these regulations, or she might reconsider her antibiotic caveat if these regulations are overly paternalistic on her understanding. I conclude by briefly considering the benefits and drawbacks of adopting each view.

Imaging, Paternalism and the Worried Patient: Rethinking Our Approach.

The Covid pandemic has taught many lessons, including the importance of mental health. The value of the radiologist in holistic patient care may be underestimated and underresearched. Barriers to the acceptance of imaging as an important component in reassurance may be rooted in old ideas minimizing the importance of mental health.

Shared Decision-Making in Palliative Care: A Maternalistic Approach.

During goals of care conversations, palliative care clinicians help patients and families determine priorities of care and align medical care with those priorities. The style and methods of communicating with families and negotiating a care plan can range from paternalistic to entirely patient driven. In this paper, we describe a case in which the palliative care clinician approached decision-making using a paradigm that is intuitive to many clinicians and which seems conceptually sound, but which has not been fully explored in the bioethics literature. This paradigm, termed maternalism, allows the clinician to direct decision-making within a relationship such that best interests and autonomy are mutually reinforced, thus reflecting relational autonomy as opposed to individual autonomy. We explore whether this method is appropriate in this case and explain how it captures significant ethical features of the case that might be missed by other approaches.

Maternal-Fetal Surgery: Does Recognising Fetal Patienthood Pose a Threat to Pregnant Women's Autonomy?

Maternal-fetal surgery (MFS) encompasses a range of innovative procedures aiming to treat fetal illnesses and anomalies during pregnancy. Their development and gradual introduction into healthcare raise important ethical issues concerning respect for pregnant women's bodily integrity and autonomy. This paper asks what kind of ethical framework should be employed to best regulate the practice of MFS without eroding the hard-won rights of pregnant women. I examine some existing models conceptualising the relationship between a pregnant woman and the fetus to determine what kind of framework is the most adequate for MFS, and conclude that an ecosystem or maternal-fetal dyad model is best suited for upholding women's autonomy. However, I suggest that an appropriate framework needs to incorporate some notion of fetal patienthood, albeit a very limited one, in order to be consistent with the views of healthcare providers and their pregnant patients. I argue that such an ethical framework is both theoretically sound and fundamentally respectful of women's autonomy, and is thus best suited to protect women from coercion or undue paternalism when deciding whether to undergo MFS.

The Last Bastion of Paternalism? A Reflection on Proceduralism, Power, and Privilege.

The two cases presented here may at first seem very different: one patient was an adult, making autonomous decisions for herself and her fetus; the other was a child too young to meaningfully participate in the most significant decisions regarding his health. In both cases, healthcare professionals had to determine the extent to which the parents of a dying fetus or child should be permitted to make agonizing choices about how long to maintain hope and what that death will look like; and in both, health professionals' prognostications influenced their judgments about the patients' best interests and whether they were candidates for certain interventions. While members of both healthcare teams questioned the patients' and families' ability to objectively consider the risks and benefits, the families were focused on the need to be able to live with the decisions made, regardless of outcome. Clinicians expressed unwillingness to perform physical actions they felt were more likely to promote harm and suffering than benefit, and experienced attendant moral distress in the face of conflicting values. In this regard, these cases are mirror images: only in the first case did the clinician, an obstetrician, have sufficient professional authority to refuse to perform the desired intervention. In the second case, the clinicians who expressed the most distress regarding the patient's trajectory were the nurses, who largely lacked similar autonomy. Viewed together, these cases share a core question: What does paternalism look like in the contemporary era?

Médico como arquiteto da escolha: paternalismo e respeito à autonomia / Physicians as choice architects: paternalism and respect for autonomy / El médico como arquitecto de elección: paternalismo y respeto por la autonomía

Resumo A relação médico-paciente difere significativamente das demais interações sociais. Não por acaso, cresce expressivamente o número de estudos voltados exclusivamente à referida área. O fortalecimento da concepção de autonomia passou também a abranger a figura do paciente, com notória ampliação de sua esfera de participação e de influência na tomada de decisão em tratamentos e em procedimentos clínicos, mitigando aquela concepção exacerbadamente paternalista que recaía sobre a figura do profissional médico. Porém, daí insurge grave problemática: quais são os limites dessa autonomia? Acredita-se que a solução se encontra na ideia do paternalismo libertário, tese de Richard Thaler e Cass Sunstein, em que o médico atua como arquiteto da escolha do paciente. A partir do método hipotético-dedutivo, o objetivo do presente ensaio é verificar a possibilidade de adequar o método do paternalismo libertário à prática médica, mormente em relação aos hard cases , estabelecendo o alcance e os limites da autonomia do paciente.

Abstract The doctor-patient relationship differs significantly from other social interactions, and in the last years studies on this subject have grown significantly. The concept of autonomy now also encompasses patients, with notable expansion of their sphere of participation and influence in decision-making in treatments and clinical procedures, mitigating that overly paternalistic role of the physician. But this change poses a serious question: what are the limits of this autonomy? This article believes in the solution of libertarian paternalism, an idea proposed by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, in which the doctor acts as a choice architect for the patient. Based on the hypothetico-deductive method, this study verifies the possibility of adapting libertarian paternalism to current medical practices, mainly in hard cases, establishing the scope and limits of patient autonomy.

Resumen La relación médico-paciente difiere significativamente de otras interacciones sociales. No es coincidencia que haya un aumento expresivo de estudios centrados exclusivamente en esta área. El fortalecimiento del concepto de autonomía ha abarcado también la figura del paciente, con una notable ampliación de su esfera de participación y influencia en las decisiones sobre tratamientos y procedimientos clínicos, mitigando la concepción extremadamente paternalista que recae en la figura del profesional médico. Sin embargo, esto plantea un problema grave: ¿dónde están los límites de esta autonomía? El artículo argumenta que la solución radica en la idea de paternalismo libertario propuesta por Richard Thaler y Cass Sunstein, según la cual el médico actuaría como el arquitecto de elección del paciente. Con base en el método hipotético-deductivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la posibilidad de adaptar la metodología del paternalismo libertario a la práctica médica, especialmente con relación a los casos difíciles ( hard cases ), para establecer el alcance y los límites de la autonomía del paciente.

Autonomia do usuário na implementação de práticas integrativas complementares / User autonomy in implementing additional integrative practices

Resumo Esse estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma reflexão bioética acerca da autonomia dos usuários submetidos às Práticas Integrativas Complementares no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde, à luz da concepção de Bioética da Proteção. Trata-se de revisão integrativa da literatura com recorte temporal de 2007 a 2017, cuja busca do material ocorreu no mês de abril de 2018, na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Como resultado, foi identificado que a maior parte do material analisado é recente, entre 2010 e 2017, escrita por diferentes profissionais que se preocupam em estudar o tema, em periódicos de nível nacional no idioma português, sendo o interesse predominante entre farmacêuticos e enfermeiros. Foi possível perceber que, na concepção dos usuários, as Práticas Integrativas Complementares investigadas influenciam positivamente na autonomia do usuário. Embora as Práticas Integrativas Complementares sejam consideradas estratégias eficazes na promoção da saúde, surgem desafios ao integrá-las em um contexto onde a biociência domina nos aspectos epistemológicos e culturais. Recomenda-se, assim, que se ampliem as pesquisas sobre Prática Integrativa Complementar, e se invista em metodologias para a sensibilização dos atores envolvidos, visando ampliar a interface com a promoção da saúde, favorecendo a compreensão e a consolidação dessas práticas no cenário do fazer em saúde.

Abstract This study aimed to develop a bioethical reflection on the autonomy of users submitted to Complementary Integrative Practices in the context of the Unified Health System, in the light of the concept of Protection Bioethics. This is an integrative literature review with a time frame from 2007 to 2017, whose search for the material took place in April 2018, at the Virtual Health Library. As a result, it was identified that most of the material analyzed is recent, between 2010 and 2017, written by different professionals who are concerned with studying the topic, in national journals in the Portuguese language, being the predominant interest among pharmacists and nurses. It was possible to perceive that, in the users' conception, the Complementary Integrative Practices investigated positively influence the user's autonomy. Although Complementary Integrative Practices are considered effective strategies in health promotion, challenges arise when integrating them in a context where bioscience dominates in epistemological and cultural aspects. Therefore, it is recommended that research on Complementary Integrative Practice be expanded, and investment in methodologies to raise awareness among the actors involved, aiming at expanding the interface with health promotion, favoring the understanding and consolidation of these practices in the scenario of doing in health.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar una reflexión bioética sobre la autonomía de los usuarios sometidos a Prácticas Integrativas Complementarias en el contexto del Sistema Único de Salud, a la luz del concepto de Bioética de Protección. Esta es una revisión de literatura integradora con un marco de tiempo de 2007 a 2017, cuya búsqueda del material tuvo lugar en abril de 2018, en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud. Como resultado, se identificó que la mayor parte del material analizado es reciente, entre 2010 y 2017, escrito por diferentes profesionales interesados en estudiar el tema, en revistas nacionales en portugués, siendo el interés predominante entre farmacéuticos y enfermeras. Fue posible percibir que, en la concepción de los usuarios, las Prácticas Integrativas Complementarias investigadas influyen positivamente en la autonomía del usuario. Aunque las Prácticas Integrativas Complementarias se consideran estrategias efectivas en la promoción de la salud, surgen desafíos al integrarlas en un contexto donde la biociencia domina en aspectos epistemológicos y culturales. Por lo tanto, se recomienda ampliar la investigación sobre Práctica Integrativa Complementaria e inversiones en metodologías para aumentar la conciencia de los actores involucrados, con el objetivo de ampliar la interfaz con la promoción de la salud, favoreciendo la comprensión y consolidación de estas prácticas en el escenario práctico. en salud

A mentira terapêutica e o silenciamento do idoso e do morrer / Therapeutic lying and silencing of the elderly and dying / Mentir terapéutico y silenciar a los ancianos y la muerte

Resumo Um importante dispositivo do poder médico pode ser caracterizado pela atitude paternalista frente ao paciente, estabelecendo uma relação assimétrica na qual o médico possui o conhecimento necessário para definir o melhor para o paciente. A bioética busca minimizar essa assimetria através da ideia de que o paciente possui o direito de consentir sobre as intervenções que serão (ou não) realizadas em seu corpo. Porém, uma situação comum para algumas especialidades médicas é o recurso da mentira terapêutica. O presente artigo busca refletir sobre o uso da mentira terapêutica a partir da análise de um caso viés etnográfico. A análise realizada evidencia a mentira terapêutica enquanto um desdobramento do ocultamento da morte e do morrer. Além disto, possibilita a reflexão sobre o processo de apagamento da capacidade de autonomia e de consentimento entre idosos como resultado da individualidade e da independência enquanto valores fundamentais para a sociedade moderna contemporânea.

Abstract An important device of medical power can be characterized by the paternalistic attitude towards the patient, establishing an asymmetric relationship in which the doctor has the necessary knowledge to define the best for the patient. Bioethics seeks to minimize this asymmetry through the idea that the patient has the right to consent to interventions that will be (or not) performed on their body. However, a common situation for some medical specialties is the use of therapeutic lying. This article reflects on the use of therapeutic lying based on the analysis of an ethnographic bias case. The analysis carried out shows the therapeutic lie as an unfolding from the concealment of death and dying. In addition, it enables reflection on the process of erasing the capacity for autonomy and consent among the elderly as a result of individuality and independence as fundamental values for modern contemporary society.

Resumen Un dispositivo importante de poder médico puede caracterizarse por la actitud paternalista hacia el paciente, estableciendo una relación asimétrica en la que el médico tiene los conocimientos necesarios para definir lo mejor para el paciente. La bioética busca minimizar esta asimetría a través de la idea de que el paciente tiene derecho a consentir las intervenciones que se realizarán (o no) en su cuerpo. Sin embargo, una situación común para algunas especialidades médicas es el uso de la mentira terapéutica. Este artículo busca reflexionar sobre el uso de la mentira terapéutica a partir del análisis de un caso de sesgo etnográfico. El análisis realizado muestra la mentira terapéutica como un despliegue del encubrimiento de la muerte y el morir. Además, permite reflexionar sobre el proceso de borrado de la capacidad de autonomía y consentimiento de las personas mayores como resultado de la individualidad y la independencia como valores fundamentales para la sociedad contemporánea moderna.

Analysis of the influence of clinical and demographic factors on the understanding of cataract informed consent / Análisis de la influencia de factores clínicos y demográficos en la comprensión del consentimiento informado de cataratas / Análise da influência de fatores clínicos e demográficos na compreensão do consentimento informado para cirurgia de catarata

PURPOSE: To estimate the influence of clinical and demographical information in the understanding of cataract surgery informed consent, identifying less understandable areas. To assess informed consent document concept. METHODS: Multiple-choice questionnaire was designed to collect information and to evaluate the understanding of cataract surgery and informed consent. An ordinary regression model was adjusted to express the effect of clinical and demographic variables to the questionnaire score. RESULTS: The study comprised 180 patients. Sex (female, p=0.404), non-ophthalmologist source of information (p=0.397), previous surgical history (p=0.571), not having a companion (p=0.396) nor the days since the signing of informed consent form (p=0.535) had no influence in the understanding of cataract surgery informed consent. Age (r=-0.083, p<0.001) and educational level (secondary studies r=1.845, p<0.001; tertiary studies r=4.289, p<0.001) showed statistical significance with greater strength of association educational level (OR secondary studies = 6.33, OR tertiary studies = 72.86) than age had (OR = 0.92). CONCLUSION: Patient's knowledge about cataract informed consent is influenced by age and educational level. The purpose and the risks, consequences of not performing surgery and postoperative indications are the least understood topics. Informed consent is seen as a forced legal obligation.

OBJETIVOS: estimar la influencia de la información clínica y demográfica en la comprensión del consentimiento informado de la cirugía de cataratas, identificando áreas menos comprensibles. Evaluar el concepto de "documento de consentimiento informad". MÉTODOS: el cuestionario de opción múltiple se diseñó para reunir información y evaluar la comprensión de la cirugía de cataratas y el consentimiento informado. Se ajustó un modelo de regresión ordinario para expresar el efecto de las variables clínicas y demográficas en la puntuación del cuestionario. RESULTADOS: El estudio abarcó 180 pacientes. Sexo (femenino, p = 0.404); fuente de información no oftalmológica (p = 0.397); historial quirúrgico previo (p = 0.571); no tener acompañante (p = 0.396), y los días desde la firma del formulario de consentimiento informado (p = 0,535), que no tuvo influencia en la comprensión del consentimiento informado en la cirugía de cataratas. La edad (r = -0.083, p <0.001) y el nivel educativo (estudios secundarios r = 1.845, p <0.001; estudios terciarios r = 4.289, p <0.001) mostraron significación estadística con una mayor fuerza del nivel educativo de asociación (OR estudios secundarios = 6.33, OR estudios terciarios = 72.86) que la edad (OR = 0.92). CONCLUSIÓN: El conocimiento del paciente sobre el consentimiento informado en cirugía de cataratas está influenciado por la edad y el nivel educativo. Los temas menos entendidos son el propósito y los riesgos, las consecuencias de no realizar la cirugía y las indicaciones postoperatorias. El consentimiento informado se considera una obligación legal forzada.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a influência de informações clínicas e demográficas na compreensão do consentimento informado para cirurgia de catarata, identificando áreas menos compreensíveis. Avaliar o conceito do documento de consentimento informado. MÉTODOS: Um questionário de múltipla escolha foi desenvolvido para coletar informações e avaliar a compreensão sobre cirurgia de catarata e de consentimento informado. Um modelo de regressão ordinária foi ajustado para expressar o efeito das variáveis clínicas e demográficas no escore do questionário. RESULTADOS: O estudo envolveu 180 pacientes. Sexo (feminino, p=0,404), fonte de informações não oftalmológica (p=0,397), história cirúrgica prévia (p=0,571), não ter um/a companheiro/a (p=0,396) nem os dias desde a assinatura do formulário de consentimento informado (p=0,535) tiveram influência na compreensão do consentimento informado para cirurgia de catarata. Idade (r=-0,083, p<0,001) e nível educacional (estudos secundários r=1,845, p<0,001; estudos terciários r=4,289, p<0,001) mostraram significância estatística, com maior força de associação para o nível educacional (OR estudos secundários = 6,33, OR estudos terciários = 72,86) que para a idade (OR = 0,92). CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento do paciente sobre o consentimento informado para cirurgia de catarata é influenciado pela idade e nível educacional. O objetivo e os riscos, consequências, de não fazer a cirurgia e as indicações pós-operatórias são os tópicos menos compreensíveis. O consentimento informado é visto como uma obrigação legal compulsória.