Improving understanding of the informed consent process and document.

Objective: To review theoretical perspectives relating to the communication of informed consent and to describe research efforts and strategies to enhance the informed consent process and document.

Methods: Research studies review articles, education and communication models, and NCI National Working Group on Informed Consent Recommendations.

Conclusions: Information communicated during the informed consent process is difficult to understand, raising ethical concerns about whether informed decision-making has taken place. Empirical research focuses on the nature of patient-provider interactions and the effectiveness of various delivery systems, a need exists to overcome conceptual and methodologic limitations. Conclusions: Nurses must ensure that patients understand informed consent information. Several communication strategies are posited.