With the rise of telemedicine, e-prescriptions, and digital consultations, the traditional doctor-patient interaction has fundamentally changed . But one principle remains unchanged: clear, informed communication and valid consent are at the heart of ethical medical practice . In a digital setting, how these are handled must evolve with the medium. Teleconsultations require upgraded consent protocols ; verbal consent alone may no longer be sufficient.
Best practices now recommend digital consent forms that include details about the scope of the consultation, limitations of virtual assessments, and risks of delayed diagnosis. These should be shared with the patient in advance and documented in the patient’s digital record for medico-legal safety. Equally important is clarity in risk communication . Whether it's discussing side effects of a new drug via video call or explaining the next…
