DOCTORS UNDERSTANDING OF CONSENT LAW.

Abstract

AIMS: To gain an insight into current doctors' understanding of the legal requisites that underpin the consent of patients to medical procedures in Australia. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of Western Australian medical practitioners. A 15-question online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey, USA) was developed and distributed to Western Australian medical practitioners via social media, hospital based junior society pages and through the email accounts of practitioners registered with a large medical defence organisation (MDA National). Doctors were questioned on their understanding of medicolegal responsibilities, informed consent practice and knowledge of a historically significant Australian med..