Informed consent: more than just a signature

The informed consent (IC) is the explanation that the doctor or health professional gives to the patient on the nature of his disease and on the balance between the benefits and risks of the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This information must be adapted to the level of understanding and to the patient’s individual characteristics.

In the case of the minors, his opinion must be taken into account and his maturity valued by the doctor. The IC must be considered as a process of assistance in the making of decisions and not as the mere signature of a form.

The case report of a 12-year-old girl with severe idiopathic scoliosis is presented. The orthopedic team indicated a surgical intervention that was initially rejected both by the mother and the girl. The intervention of the Primary care staff was decisive in this case for a correct decisions making by the family.