Thoracic procedures are often high-risk. How would you approach obtaining informed consent from an elderly smoker with multiple comorbidities who requires a lung lobectomy for early-stage cancer?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks how well you understand informed consent in a tricky situation. Interviewers want to see if you can communicate clearly, show empathy, and make ethical decisions when the stakes are high.
Tips
- Start by recognizing the complexity of the situation and the patient's vulnerabilities.
- Create a calm, private space for the conversation and take your time.
- Use simple language to explain the diagnosis, procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, checking for understanding along the way.
Common mistakes
- Don't rush through the consent process like it's just a formality.
- Avoid using medical jargon without explaining it in simple terms.
- Don't ignore the patient's fears or concerns; acknowledge them and show empathy.