INFOrm4U is a library of treatment-specific informed consent patient information brochures. Each brochure bears a Plain English Campaign Crystal Mark.

Key patient benefits

• Accurate expectations of the procedure
• Improved understanding of the problem and the treatment options
• Opportunity to discuss information with family / friends and to participate in the decision-making process (‘shared decision making’)
• Earlier patient identification of symptoms of post-operative complications
• Improved after-care compliance
• Improved patient satisfaction

Key financial benefits

• Lower risk of litigation
• Informed patients are less likely to go to law
• Cases that go to law are less likely to be successful

Key clinician benefits

• More effective and efficient doctor-patient consultation by supporting the explanation of the condition and recommended treatment
• More reliable consent by providing the right level of detail about risks and benefits
• Improved doctor-patient relationship if complications occur
• Reduced likelihood of complaint and litigation
• Education of junior doctors and nurses