Consent: a practical guide |
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Authors: | BS Khoury JN Khoury |
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Affiliation: | 1. Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia;2. School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia |
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Abstract: | Societal change through an increase in knowledge and accessibility of education as well as a push for autonomy has contributed to a shift in the balance of power from clinician to patient (especially in the last 20 years). This drive for personal autonomy has seen a shift from medical paternalism, a consequence of ignorance, to personal autonomy, a continuously evolving by‐product of 17th century liberalism as expressed and facilitated by access of information. Consequently, patient‐centred care has become the new standard for health care involving a two‐way communication process of shared information and informed decision‐making. At its centre is the patient's right to accept or decline treatment recommended by a clinician, be it detrimental or beneficial. Clinicians must recognize and appreciate this shift to patient‐centred care and its legal ramifications. |
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Keywords: | Assault competency consent informed consent voluntariness |
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