What is informed consent?
Informed consent literally means giving your permission once you have been fully informed. Before you undergo any treatment, you have the right to be informed fully and in a way you can understand — only then can you make a well-considered decision and give your consent. In the Netherlands, this right is set out in law in the WGBO, the Dutch Medical Treatment Contracts Act.
What are you entitled to?
Your orthopaedic surgeon will inform you about:
The diagnosis and what it involves
The proposed treatment and how it will proceed
The risks and possible complications
Alternatives, such as exercise therapy (alternatives)
What happens if you don't have treatment (yet)
Timely discussion
Since 2020, the duty to inform under the WGBO has been extended: your healthcare provider must not only inform you, but also actively invite you to ask questions and to think along with them about your treatment.
Your consent
No operation will take place without your consent. You can withdraw that consent at any time, even after you have previously agreed.
Feel free to ask questions
Are you unsure, or do you feel you're missing information? You're always welcome to ask questions, and doing so helps you make a choice that's right for you. A useful tool is the '3 good questions': what are my options, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what does that mean for my situation?
Time to think it over
You don't have to decide straight away. Take the time to let the information sink in, discuss it with family or friends if you wish, and feel free to come back with questions before you make a decision.