Background: Lack of patient’s knowledge on surgical informed consent increase the likelihood of a patient safety incident, patient anxiety and result in postoperative dissatisfaction. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and perception of patients regarding informed consent process for surgical procedures.Methods: A descriptive correlation design was conducted. Using Probability Stratified sampling technique, a sample size of 147 surgical patients was selected. Data was collected using an interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Eighty-three per cent (83%) had low knowledge, 12% moderate and only 5% had high level of knowledge. Twenty-three per cent (23%) had low perception, 50% moderate and 31% had high level of perception towards informed consent for surgical procedures. A weak significant positive correlation [(r = 0.487), (-1≤ r ≤1), p<0.00)] between patient’s knowledge and perception towards informed consent for surgical procedures was found with knowledge contributing variance 23.7% (R Square=0.237).Conclusions: This study revealed that the patient’s knowledge towards informed consent for surgical procedures is limited and their perception towards informed consent is poor. Therefore, there is need to devise strategies that increases the knowledge levels of patients so that they will be able to positively alter their perceptions towards informed consent of surgical procedures.

Background: Clinical experiences allow nursing students to apply theoretical knowledge into practice hence socialize with their future professional roles and responsibilities. This is a report of observations made by thirteen perioperative nursing students in the first cohort of Master of sciences in nursing training program during their practicum in selected Rwandan Referral Hospitals aimed at improving students' learning outcomes in future. Methods: Teams of four to five students were allocated to the operating theatres in three selected referral and teaching hospitals in Rwanda for thirteen weeks. At the end of their clinical placement, they wrote clinical reports that highlighted their observations informed by theoretical knowledge of perioperative nursing care using a structure, process and outcome format. These reports focused on the strengths and challenges observed. Results: Students were able to translate theoretical knowledge gained in class to clinical practice. Although the hospitals provided good learning opportunities in relation to the number of patients attended to and the various surgical treatments provided, the existing infrastructures, and care delivery systems, still need improvement. Conclusions: Hospital structure and processes helped the students to achieve their clinical learning objectives. Fostering strong collaboration of Universities, Hospitals and Ministry of Health will promote specialization in the emerging field of perioperative nursing in Rwanda.