RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Documenting the process of patient decision making: a review of the development of the law on consent
JF Future Hospital Journal
JO Future Hosp J
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 109
OP 113
DO 10.7861/futurehosp.3-2-109
VO 3
IS 2
A1 Mohsin I Choudry
A1 Aishah Latif
A1 Leslie Hamilton
A1 Bertie Leigh
YR 2016
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/3/2/109.abstract
AB The doctor’s role involves helping patients to understand their condition, including the anticipated benefits and risks of proposed treatments or omissions to treat. In order to treat, doctors require consent from patients but the duty to advise is equally strong if conservative management is appropriate. The recent judgement in the case of Montgomery has set a precedent for patient autonomy. However, doctors are still required to judge what risks they should disclose in their reasonable assessment of that patient and their specific situation. The General Medical Council reflects a consensus that the empowered autonomous patient is more likely to be satisfied with their clinical outcome than the passive victim of medical paternalism. Doctors, regardless of specialty, must counsel their patients adequately, paying particular attention to identifying material risks that are likely to be significant to their case.