Medical Ethics: Patient Informed Consent

8 Questions

To inform the patient about the nature and risks involved

If the patient's symptoms do not help reveal the truth

The patient's psychological state

Unlikely results of the procedure

When the patient is not able to understand them

If the error is based on blatant ignorance of basic scientific principles

Using outdated examination methods harmful to the fetus

When the error is based on a scientific opinion that was preferred over another

Study Notes

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 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.