“We have received positive feedback from both patients and providers since starting the e-consent program…when patients have had extra time to thoroughly review and sign their surgical consent forms, it makes for a smoother check-in process on the morning of surgery. We are thrilled that we are now able to offer this to all of our patients.”  - Health System Executive

The Challenge and Opportunity

A large West Coast hospital system historically used cumbersome hardcopy paper consent forms. Patients had insufficient time to review the forms leading up to surgery, and staff faced multiple steps to distribute, collect, scan, and save them. Seeking to digitize and streamline this process, the health system needed a partner to support this implementation.

The Solution and Results

The client turned to CTG for support in successfully activating Epic’s electronic consent (E-Consent) system. CTG provided expert training for providers, nurses, and staff in key areas in operating rooms and interventional radiology suites, in conjunction with other Epic modules—OpTime, Anesthesia, and Radiant. Now, providers send E Consent forms to patients before surgery, allowing for convenient review and signing. This improves informed consent, ensuring detailed discussions about procedures,
risks, benefits, and alternatives, with ample opportunity for patient questions. The process also enhances patient comfort and safety by enabling a thorough review in a private setting before surgery. 

Additionally, providers can now complete and sign E-Consent documents tailored to each patient’s language and surgical case, sending them securely via Epic’s MyChart. Thus, ensuring correct documentation and the use of interpreters when necessary. E-Consent supports the client’s goal of an improved patient experience thanks to enhanced efficiency, amplified productivity, and greater data security.