The experiences of physicians and patients during the informed consent process in the surgical clinic: A phenomenological study

Respect for autonomy, one of the fundamental principles of medical ethics, is embodied in the doctrine of informed consent, ensuring that patients actively participate in decisions regarding their medical care. Informed consent involves the patient's acceptance of recommended medical procedures with full awareness of the scope, benefits, risks, and potential alternatives of diagnostic or treatment options. However, physicians and patients may interpret and experience this process differently.This thesis aims to explore how physicians and patients experience the informed consent process and to identify the value conflicts and ethical dilemmas they encounter. The study was conducted with physicians working in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery clinics of a university hospital and with patients who underwent surgery in these departments. Using a qualitative research approach, specifically a phenomenological design, interviews were carried out with 10 physicians and 12 patients. Participants were selected through purposive and criterion sampling methods. The interview data were analyzed using the inductive analysis technique via MAXQDA 2024 software. As a result of the analysis, three main themes and eight categories were identified. The findings highlighted that both physicians and patients attribute different meanings to the informed consent process. For patients, the effectiveness of this process was closely linked to the physician's communication skills and approach during the information phase. On the other hand, physicians emphasized that patients' knowledge levels, cultural backgrounds, and attitudes significantly influence the process.The study concludes that although physicians and patients perceive the informed consent process differently, it gains substantial ethical value when supported by effective communication and adherence to ethical principles. This not only promotes patients' rights but also enhances physicians' professional motivation. The results are expected to contribute to medical ethics literature and increase ethical awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the informed consent process.