Wouter Leclercq

Chapter 4 62 Surgeons and the Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery, have also adopted guidelines on SIC. 10,11 However, it is unknown whether these Dutch specialists perform any better regarding these issues compared to their fellow general surgeons. The general aim of this study was to analyze knowledge and daily practice concerning SIC in orthopaedic surgeons (OS) and plastic surgeons (PS). As OS and PS procedures are mainly elective and frequently based upon functional or cosmetic complaints, it was hypothesized that both of these subspecialists would score comparably regarding knowledge and skills in SIC. Moreover, both groups were expected to have more knowledge and a better implementation in daily practice when compared with general surgeons. Possible differences between surgeons and their residents were also studied. 3. Stage of consent - Patient consenting to the surgical procedure - Recording of this authorization - Patient education - Recommendation of a care plan - Understanding of this information by the patient 2. Provision of information - Patient competence and voluntariness 1. Assessment of preconditions Figure 4.1 Elements of informed consent.