Bioethics for clinicians: 1. Consent

Abstract

Patients are entitled to make decisions about their medical care and to be given relevant information on which to base such decisions. The physicians obligation to obtain the patient's consent to treatment is grounded in the ethical principles of patient autonomy and respect for persons and is affirmed by Canadian law and professional policy. A large body of research supports the view that the process of obtaining consent can improve patient satisfaction and compliance and, ultimately, health outcomes. An exception to the requirement to obtain consent is the emergency treatment of incapable persons, provided there is no reason to believe that the treatment would be contrary to the person's wishes if he or she were capable.