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An Improved Perspective

Julia E. Connelly, MD

Arch Intern Med. 1988;148(6):1266-1268.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

Few issues in medical ethics receive more attention than informed consent. The Nuremberg Code establishes that "the voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential."¹ The doctrine of informed consent, based on the principles of biomedical ethics (particularly autonomy, nonmaleficence, and beneficence), is central to the relationship between the patient and the physician: the cornerstone of patient decision making. It requires disclosure and comprehension of information as well as voluntary and competent decision making. Alexander Capron² identifies the following as important functions of informed consent: promotion of individual autonomy; protection of patients; avoidance of duress; encouragement of self-scrutiny by medical professionals; promotion of rational decisions; and involvement of the public in promoting autonomy and in controlling biomedical research.

See also p 1385.

Misconceptions regarding informed consent are common. The Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary³ narrowly defines informed consent as follows: "consent to surgery by a patient or . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
University Medical Associates Box 1256 165 Spicer's Mill Rd Orange, VA 22960

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