Physician's perspectives about consent in medical practice a questionnaire based study.

ABSTRACT

It is a principle recognised not only by our own but by other legal systems that ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it. Obtaining informed consent is act like a shield to protect a medical practitioner from litigation suits and claims and also help in maintaining autonomy of the patient. With this background, the study was aimed to assess knowledge and various other perspectives of medical fraternity regarding some aspects of consent. A cross sectional survey was conducted at Pramukhswami Medial College, Karamsad during the year 2009. Total 150 physicians in the institute were given questionnaire, asking for information about their knowledge & level of satisfaction. Out of which 117 physicians have responded. 68.42% physicians felt satisfied about their knowledge of consent in medical practice but 76.31% physicians responded that their knowledge about various aspects applicable to them is limited or nil. 54.39% physicians expressed that they knew validity of consent. 50% physicians were not clear what to do if relatives deny for giving consent in emergency situation. Medical practitioner should upgrade their knowledge regarding medical jurisprudence and legal medicine to avoid any litigation, by regular medicolegal training programmes.