Summary
This paper provides advice for clinicians in obtaining the consent of women undergoing repair of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears following childbirth. This paper is intended to be appropriate for a number of procedures and combinations and the consent form should be carefully edited under the heading ‘Name of proposed procedure or course of treatment’ to accurately describe the exact procedure to be performed, after discussion with the woman.
The paper follows the structure of Consent Form 1 of the Department of Health and Social Care, England/Welsh Assembly Government/Scottish Government/Department of Health, Northern Ireland. It should be used in conjunction with RCOG Clinical Governance Advice No. 6: Obtaining Valid Consent. Please refer to RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 29: The Management of Third- and Fourth-Degree Perineal Tears.
The aim of this advice is to ensure that all women are given consistent and adequate information for consent; it is intended to be used together with dedicated patient information. After discharge women should have clear direction to enable them to obtain help if there are unforeseen problems.
Please note
Although this document was produced before the Montgomery ruling, it remains appropriate for use as part of the process outlined on our main consent page. The form should be used to help record women’s understanding of the implications of the final agreed procedure.
COVID disclaimer
This Consent Advice was developed prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Version history
This is the first edition of this guidance.
Please note that the Patient Safety Committee regularly assesses the need to update. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Available on request.