Consent with understanding: a movement towards informed decisions.
The development of consent processes over the last decade is reviewed. The need for an understanding of information is recognised, although the legal definition of competence does not require actual understanding, but rather capacity to understand. The need to move responsibility for procedures towards patients is discussed in terms of an informed decision about choices rather than an informed consent to a single option.
Mayberry
Margaret K
MK
Department of Gastroenterology, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester.
Mayberry
John F
JF
D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016743:Mental Competency