title: Consent: a practical guide.
abstract: Societal change through an increase in knowledge and accessibility of education as well as a push for autonomy has contributed to a shift in the balance of power from clinician to patient (especially in the last 20 years). This drive for personal autonomy has seen a shift from medical paternalism, a consequence of ignorance, to personal autonomy, a continuously evolving by-product of 17th century liberalism as expressed and facilitated by access of information. Consequently, patient-centred care has become the new standard for health care involving a two-way communication process of shared information and informed decision-making. At its centre is the patient's right to accept or decline treatment recommended by a clinician, be it detrimental or beneficial. Clinicians must recognize and appreciate this shift to patient-centred care and its legal ramifications.
authors.affiliation: Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Khoury
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Khoury
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003813:Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D026684:Personal Autonomy
keywords: Assault; competency; consent; informed consent; voluntariness