What is the main purpose of informed consent?

The main purpose of informed consent is to empower patients to make knowledgeable decisions about their medical treatment. Informed consent involves providing patients with comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives available. This process ensures that patients understand what they are consenting to and can weigh their options based on their values, preferences, and understanding of the potential outcomes.

While the other options have relevance in the medical field, they do not capture the essence of informed consent. Protecting physicians from lawsuits can be a byproduct of proper informed consent practices, but it is not the primary purpose. Documenting a patient’s medical history is an important aspect of medical practice but is separate from the concept of informed consent. Additionally, establishing a physician-patient relationship is fundamental to the practice of medicine, but informed consent specifically focuses on the patient’s right to be informed and to choose regarding their care.