The signed consent form is the physical evidence that consent has been obtained from the patient, but this alone is not enough and it is the addition of the word ‘informed’ that is open to interpretation and has needed legal definition in the past. The patient's consent should only be given, or indeed accepted, secure in the knowledge that all aspects, ramifications and possible risks have been adequately disclosed, explained and understood by the patient. This article will focus on the disclosure aspect of informed consent. Patients'’ names and identities in clinical practice have been changed to respect their confidentiality and to preserve their anonymity.
