INFORMED CONSENT AS A PROCESS OF ACHIEVING BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN THE PATIENT-DOCTOR RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

Informed consent is a medical-ethical area that connects fundamental ethical knowledge with clinical practice and the relationship with the patient, and which is an increasingly common topic of discussion in professional circles, focusing on complexity of its practical applications. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present the process of informed consent in a real clinical case, as a process of permanent dialogue and co-decision between doctor and patient, aimed at objective well-being. The clinical case follows the bioethical principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice in the informed consent process and points to the validity / shortcomings of informed consent in the context of the Swiss cheese model. In conclusion, the gap between law and medical ethics is discussed, which greatly contributes to inadequate practice.