Ethical aspect in gastrointestinal endoscopy in Iran

Background: Gastroenterologists are required to obtain consent before undertaking any endoscopic examination. Published data indicate that in practice there are many deficiencies in this process. The aim of this survey was to determine the quality of information given to patients before the endoscopic procedures in Iran. Methods: A structured questionnaire about patient's informed consent before endoscopy was used. In the 3rd Iranian international congress of gastroenterology and hepatology, 100 endoscopists (gastroenterologist or internist) participated in this study regarding the quality of informed consent. Results: 90% of these physicians were male and 57% of them worked in Tehran (capital of Iran). The distribution of positive answers were as follow: Detailed information regarding the nature of the endoscopic procedure provided to the patient, 91%; the sufficient time to ask questions about the nature of the procedure, 82%; alternative diagnostic tests or treatment explained to the patient, 73%; patient informed about the possible complications of the proposed procedure, 32%; the patient informed about the mortality rate of the proposed endoscopic procedure, 15%. Conclusion: Although information about the procedure is given to the patients in 91% of the procedure, endoscopic practice must respect the ethical aspects of medicine and more attention need to be paid to informed consent and patient's information, especially about potential procedure- related complication and mortality.