The adult patient, informed consent and the emergency care setting

How much information does a practitioner of emergency care give to an adult patient of sound mind in order for that patient to make a choice? This paper examines legal and professional perspectives and the challenges for the practitioner of emergency care in the process of information giving. Autonomy and human rights are significant themes in any health care context, and this paper argues that practitioners must discharge their duty of care, and facilitate an environment in which patients are informed despite the need for timely decisions about care and treatment.