Which of the following aspects of patient care is the most vital factor in the issue of informed consent?

A. patient care
B. patient education
C. patient compliance
D. patient maturity
E. patient's age

B. patient education

Patient education is vital to the issue of informed consent. Patients who sue have successfully claimed lack of informed consent because they did not read the consent form they signed or did not read brochures handed to them. Health care personnel should be sure that patients understand all forms and all treatments/surgeries to be performed before signing.