[Requirements for patient education exemplified by radiotherapy].
BACKGROUND
Under existing law which goes back to a decision of the supreme court of the German Reich in 1894, any medical intervention, even if performed lege artis and successfully, meets the elements of physical injury both in terms of civil and criminal law and, thus, is illegal. This unlawfulness can only be validly reversed by the patient's informed consent which requires adequate effective patient information.


METHODS
The relevant principles in patient information on potential risks elaborated by the West German administration of justice are outlined by 22 these. Subsequently, supreme and highest court decisions are listed, briefly summarizing the jurisdiction on patient information relevant to radiotherapists.


CONCLUSIONS
Tendencies to gain financial profit from improper patient information can be resolutely steered against right from the start.
Schlund
G H
GH
Vorsitzender Richter am Oberlandesgericht a. D Josef-Schlicht-Strasse 6a, 81245 München Deutschland.
D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011878:Radiotherapy