J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 111(3): 166-169, 2010

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Feature topic

INFORMED CONCENT

Most Japanese embrace the concept of informed consent, which became common knowledge in the 1990s but has not been signed into law. Lawsuits filed by patients and their families leading to prosecution, even if no medical malpractice occurred, have increased after poor medical outcomes. To obtain adequate informed consent, the following must be explained:1) the name and status of disease or condition; 2) why a treatment regimen is proposed and what it involves; 3) risks associated with the treatment; 4) other treatment options and its associated benefits and risks; and 5) the probable outcome after undergoing or refusing the proposed treatment. Additionally, the written informed consent document should include the explanations of points 1)-5). To gain the trust of patients when seeking their informed consent, it is extremely important to improve communication skills and acknowledge their emotions.

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