Question

Read the scenario and then answer the question that follows.

During the course of his treatment, Max's doctor notifies him that a new trial drug is available. The doctor highly suggests he try the drug and provides him with an informed consent form. However, the doctor does not tell Max very much about the drug or its side effects. Although Max does not know much about the drug, he trusts his doctor and decides to sign the consent form and begin the trial anyway.

Has an unethical act occurred in this scenario?

Yes, Max should have asked the doctor more about the drug before signing the consent form.
No, the doctor provided Max with consent forms to sign and did not force him to sign them.
Yes, the doctor did not provide Max with enough information to make an informed decision.
No, it is Max’s responsibility to make a decision about drugs, regardless of whether they are in trials.

Answer 1

The principal of informed consent is that the patient make a decision based on all the information available to him. The physician did not provide this so an unethical act has occured on the part of the physician.

Answer 2

Yes an unethical act occurred because the doctor did not provide all information needed.