Informed consent practices vary widely, impacting surgical patient decision-making and autonomy.

• Different procedures have inconsistent consent requirements, like written consent for arterial lines but not peripheral IVs.
• Context shapes disclosures; risks highlighted for mastectomy may not be for cardiac surgery.

Streamlining consent processes with standardized, patient-centered policies is vital for protecting autonomy.

• Efficiency pressures often lead to less experienced providers handling consent discussions, risking potential gaps in understanding.