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- Article 448 WGBO regulates the medical practitioner's obligation to inform the patient clearly, and if required, in writing about the nature and purposes of the examination or treatment. The medical practitioner has to supply the patient with the information needed from him to make a responsible decision. The patient also has to be informed about expected consequences and risks of treatment, as well as about different suitable methods of examination or treatment. It has been stated that this information is being dealt with that 'any patient of sound mind, under the circumstances, may be expected to consider before deciding.' Reasonableness and fairness are the limits of the obligation to inform. What is certain is, that information has to be supplied about the examination necessary to a diagnosis, the diagnosis itself, the various therapeutic alternatives, the amount of pain to be expected, the prognosis, regimen after treatment, etc.
- When more than one physician is involved in the treatment, problems may arise. Each physician is, in principle, obliged to furnish information of relevance to the patient. The Model-Regulation Doctor-Patient has provided for this, in providing for the appointment of a coordinator who functions as a focal point on behalf of the team.
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