Devo firmare un consenso informato?

Do I need to sign an informed consent?

Pronunciation

kon-SEN-so in-for-MA-to — two separate words. 'Consenso' = consent, 'informato' = informed.

When to use it

Ask before any procedure, surgery, or significant treatment. Informed consent is mandatory in Italian medicine.

What it means

'Consenso informato' is the Italian term for informed consent — a legal document explaining a procedure, its risks and benefits, alternatives, and the patient's right to refuse. Italian law (Article 32 of the Constitution, confirmed by Law 219/2017) mandates informed consent for all medical procedures. You must sign before any surgery, invasive procedure, or treatment with significant risks.

Variations

Posso avere tempo per leggere il modulo?

Can I have time to read the form?

Your right — never sign without understanding what you are agreeing to

Posso rifiutare questo trattamento?

Can I refuse this treatment?

Yes — patient autonomy is protected by Italian law. Refusal must be documented.

Può spiegarmi i rischi dell'operazione?

Can you explain the risks of the operation to me?

Doctors must explain risks clearly before consent — ask if anything is unclear

Mini Dialogue

— Devo firmare un consenso informato per l'operazione? — Sì. Questo documento descrive la procedura, i rischi e i benefici. — Posso avere tempo per leggerlo? — Certo. Ha domande dopo la lettura, glielo spiego io. — C'è scritto che c'è rischio di infezione? — Sì, il rischio è del due percento. È piccolo ma esiste. Le spiego ogni punto.

— Do I need to sign an informed consent for the operation? — Yes. This document describes the procedure, the risks, and the benefits. — Can I have time to read it? — Of course. If you have questions after reading, I will explain it to you. — It says there is a risk of infection? — Yes, the risk is two percent. It is small but exists. I will explain each point.

Cultural Note

Italian Law 219/2017 ('Norme in materia di consenso informato e di disposizioni anticipate di trattamento') codified the right to informed consent and the right to refuse treatment, including withdrawing ongoing treatments. It also legalised 'DAT' (Disposizioni Anticipate di Trattamento) — advance directives (living wills). Italian hospitals must have 'uffici del cittadino' (patient rights offices) to handle consent-related issues.

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