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Abstract

Background: The relationships between physicians and patients are very complex. One of their principles is to receive informed consent from the patient. This principle facilitates patient autonomy. The physician must explain to the patient: his condition, treatment alternatives, stating the advantages and disadvantages of each option, to enable the patient to choose between them. There are various attitudes towards the health system as a result of different cultures in different societies. Informed consent is stipulated according to the Patient's Rights Law of 1996 and has been developed in parallel with legal decisions concerning human rights.

Methods: Four hundred ambulatory patients were interviewed. Demographic, socioeconomic, religious factors and preferences of the patients were recorded in a questionnaire. We examined the statistical differences among the various groups.

Results: Most of the patients were of low-to-moderate religious belief; they were high school graduates and were in the lower half of the national income bracket. The issues that almost all the patients revealed to be very important were: the bedside manner of both the nurse and the physician, the explanations given before and after the procedure, and the technical abilities of the physician. There were significant statistical differences according to the level of education, period of "stay" in the country, cultural differences, income and religiosity.

Conclusions: Physicians are obliged, according to the law, to present information to their patients to preserve the patient's autonomy. Logic is not the only factor in the decision-making process of the patient, it is also influenced by the cultural, religious and socioeconomic situation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an individual approach and adapt the explanations, while considering the patient's individual values.