Informed Consent in University Hospitals: Ethical, Legal, and Educational Implications for Medical Training
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64784/223Palabras clave:
Informed consent, University hospitals, Medical education, Bioethics, Patient autonomy, Medical students, Healthcare law, Professionalism, Patient-centered care, Clinical ethics, Communication skills, Patient rights, Teaching hospitals, Medical training, AmericasResumen
Informed consent is a fundamental component of contemporary healthcare and a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. In university hospitals, where patient care and medical education coexist, informed consent acquires additional complexity due to the participation of medical students and trainees in clinical activities. This review aimed to analyze the ethical, legal, and educational implications of informed consent in university hospitals throughout the American continent, with particular attention to the protection of patient autonomy and the professional development of future physicians. A structured narrative review was conducted using scientific literature obtained from major international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, as well as ethical guidelines and legal documents issued by recognized international organizations. The findings revealed that informed consent functions as a multidimensional process encompassing ethical reasoning, legal compliance, communication, professionalism, and patient-centered care. Ethical considerations emerged as the predominant dimension, followed by legal and educational factors. The review also identified limited health literacy, communication barriers, inadequate disclosure of student participation, and institutional inconsistencies as the most frequent challenges affecting informed consent implementation. Furthermore, patient acceptance of medical student involvement was strongly associated with transparency and comprehensive disclosure. The analysis highlighted the importance of integrating informed consent competencies into medical education curricula through the development of ethical judgment, communication skills, cultural competence, and professional accountability. Although significant progress has been achieved across the Americas, important differences persist regarding legal consolidation, institutional implementation, and educational integration. Strengthening informed consent practices through interdisciplinary educational strategies, institutional support, and patient-centered approaches may contribute to improved healthcare quality, greater patient trust, and more effective medical training in university hospitals.
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