Medical Ethics: Patient Informed Consent

What is the primary obligation of a doctor towards a patient regarding treatment and surgical procedures?

Under what condition is a doctor NOT liable for diagnostic errors?

What must judges consider when assessing a doctor's obligation to inform?

What is NOT part of the doctor's obligation to inform the patient?

When is the doctor not obligated to explain technical details of a treatment?

What can a doctor be held liable for in case of diagnostic error?

What method should a doctor avoid using in the diagnosis of a pregnant woman?

In which situation is a doctor not liable for an error in diagnosis?

Obligation to Inform the Patient

Doctor is obligated to inform the patient about the nature of treatment and risks of surgical procedure.
Failure to inform leads to doctor's responsibility for any damages, even without error.
Limitations to obligation to inform:
- No need to inform about unlikely results.
- Doctor not obligated to explain all technical details.
Judge must consider patient's psychological state and doctor's good faith.
Doctor's sincere desire to save patient's life is also considered.

Doctor's Error in Diagnosis

Doctor's error in diagnosis not liable unless due to blatant ignorance of scientific profession principles.
No responsibility if patient's symptoms do not reveal truth (e.g., infections, tuberculosis in early stages).
Doctor not responsible if diagnosis based on scientific opinion that was preferred over another.
Doctor liable if:
- Did not use modern scientific methods (e.g., x-rays, microscopic examination) unless patient's condition prohibited.
- Used old methods to examine pregnant woman, potentially harming fetus.
- Did not consult with more experienced colleague to make precise diagnosis.

The doctor's obligation to inform patients about treatment and risks, including limits and exceptions. Explore the responsibility of doctors in informing patients.