The validity of any informed consent undoubtedly increases if it has been taken in presence of a witness. The importance of the witness becomes even more if the patient is illiterate. Most of the times, a disinterested third party person (who is neither from the hospital staff nor from the family of the patient) is invited to sign as the witness for some consent. As per the right of confidentiality , any information related to the disease, investigation or treatment plan of the patient should remain confidential between the patient and his treating doctor only.
But practically, it is not possible to follow this rule strictly. Because, as a part of routine management, this information is shared by the paramedical staff, junior doctors, close relatives of patient etc. Still, it is the duty of the doctor to share this information only with the concerned persons of his team. Now, is it…
