Wouter Leclercq

Chapter 2 22 METHODS We were interested in identifying hard data in the literature that could be used to enhance the quality of the SIC process. Our objectives were to answer the following questions: (1) What are the fundamental elements of an adequate SIC process? (2) What is the current state of the SIC process? (3) How can we improve the quality of the SIC process in the future? Search strategy Relevant literature was identified in PubMed, Picarta, PsycINFO, and Google using the keywords/Mesh terms ‘‘informed consent,’’ ‘‘surgical procedures,’’ ‘‘operative,’’ ‘‘patient education,’’ ‘‘mental competency,’’ and ‘‘history.’’ Searches were performed by two surgical trainees (WL and BK) independently. All selected articles were scanned for relevant references or ‘‘related articles’’ (PubMed). Selection criteria included language (English publications or abstracts) and time period (January 1993–January 2009, with the exception of the legal cases).