Privacy and managing health information in general practice

Patient consent

Informed consent

Last revised: 24 May 2023

Informed consent

To provide informed consent, patients must have:
  • sufficient information about their own healthcare
  • the ability to make appropriate decisions.

The information a patient requires to provide informed consent depends on the situation. For example, this might include details on how their information will be used, who will have access to their information, and any potential benefits or risks related to providing information, referrals or treatment options. Patients should be informed if it is likely their information will be sent outside of Australia and if so, to where.

GPs are responsible for determining if a patient is capable of giving informed consent (refer to module on Competence, capacity and maturity to provide consent).

 

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