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Where special techniques such as epidural blockade, invasive monitoring and blood transfusions are anticipated, there should normally be written evidence that this has been discussed with the child or young person and/or their parents or carers as appropriate.

Children may require anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures such as MRI scans. Although separate written consent for anaesthesia is not mandatory in the UK, anaesthetists should ensure that parents and legal guardians have been informed about the associated risks and common side-effects of the anaesthetic.  There should be a written record of all discussions, including those of the requesting clinician, with...

If withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatments is being considered,⁹³ possible outcomes and plans should be carefully discussed and documented by the multidisciplinary team of professionals and the family/young person (as appropriate), in advance of planned anaesthesia and including the management of ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ orders.^94,95

Duty of Candour guidelines must be followed.⁹⁶

Patients should be fully informed about the planned procedure and participate in a shared decision-making process.  Consultation skills for shared-decision making should be used to prepare patients for anaesthesia, surgery and analgesia. The patient should determine the information provided to obtain their consent for treatment. Patients should be informed of the increasing number of decision aids available at NHS Direct...

Information should be provided with enough time for the patient to consider and reflect on before anaesthesia and surgery take place.

Information can be provided in a range of formats, including written leaflets and on the internet. Details of websites that provide reliable, impartial and evidence-based information should be made available to patients when appropriate. Where possible formats should include large print, Braille and audio. Information should conform to the ‘Accessible Information’ standard set by the Department of Health for those...

All patients undergoing elective procedures should be provided with easily understood information materials covering their operation, anaesthesia and postoperative pain relief, before admission to hospital. Provision of this information should be documented in the patient’s notes.⁷⁸

The anaesthetist should explain what the patient will experience before and after anaesthesia, and include any choices of anaesthetic technique and details of postoperative management.

The anaesthetist should invite and answer questions from the patient or, if appropriate, the patient’s relatives.