How do you feel about 'assumed consent'?

[BellyBelly]

Great thread, I have just added this to the transfer section of my birth preferences about asking for my consent on all procedures and not assuming any consent.

[Astrid]

Had at written on my patient card "Do not assume consent and all procedures must be explained". Pretty sad it had to get to that point.

With my first birth, I refused an episiotomy and the ob then refused to treat me (basically had a tantie screaming "all her ventouse patients have it done" and threw her gloves on the ground). She was not for informed consent, but for forced consent.

[RhiChiChi]

Had at written on my patient card "Do not assume consent and all procedures must be explained". Pretty sad it had to get to that point.

With my first birth, I refused an episiotomy and the ob then refused to treat me (basically had a tantie screaming "all her ventouse patients have it done" and threw her gloves on the ground). She was not for informed consent, but for forced consent.

WTH? A professional having a tantie like a 2 yo child who can't have a choccie freddo - *shaking head*

[Traveller]

When taught about assumed consent at uni we are told it is along the lines of

"Mrs Smith, may I take your blood pressure"
Mrs Smith says nothing but rolls up her sleeve and presents her arm.

It is not about introducing interventions or procedures without discussing them, it is about not necessarily waiting for the word yes, but instead waiting for body language which indicates the procedure may go ahead. Therefore in the throes of labour this is not appropriate, as if a woman has consented to a vaginal examination her body language already suggests she is ok for an episiotomy, for example, but we know in fact that is not the case and being a separate intervention, a separate consent is required.