Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues: Is it necessary to disclose all information to patient? What is 'Therapeutic Privilege?

The patient has a right to full information, concerning diagnosis, treatment , prognosis, alternative treatments and its possible complications. 'Informed' means the consent of a patient to the performance of the health care services provided by a registered medical practitioner. There are 2 exceptions: No disclosure is required, if the patient indicates a preference not to be informed; or if the physician or surgeon believes that the patient is so anxiety prone or disturbed that the information would not be processed rationally or that it would probably cause significant psychological harm or it will cause adverse effect on patient's health. This exception to the legal duty of full disclosure to patient  is called the ‘therapeutic privilege’ of a doctor.