Rethinking Informed Consent in Bioethics

Rethinking Informed Consent in Bioethics challenges conventional frameworks around medical consent and patient autonomy. O'Neill examines how current informed consent practices often fail to achieve their intended purposes in healthcare and research settings. The book analyzes real-world cases and scenarios where standard consent procedures prove inadequate or problematic. Through these examples, O'Neill demonstrates the gaps between ethical theory and practical implementation in modern medical contexts. The work presents alternative approaches to conceptualizing and obtaining meaningful consent, with specific focus on trust relationships and genuine communication between medical professionals and patients. O'Neill outlines concrete proposals for reform while acknowledging the complexities of medical decision-making. This philosophical examination raises fundamental questions about autonomy, trust, and the nature of consent itself. The book's analysis has implications beyond medicine, touching on broader issues of human agency and institutional accountability in contemporary society.

Readers note this book provides a philosophical examination of informed consent in healthcare, focusing more on theoretical frameworks than practical applications. Readers appreciated: - Clear breakdown of autonomy vs consent concepts - Analysis of trust in medical relationships - Discussion of consent in research ethics - References to real medical cases Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Limited practical guidance for clinicians - Too focused on philosophical arguments - Repetitive in some sections Reviews from academic journals highlight the book's contribution to bioethics theory, while medical practitioners found it less useful for daily practice. One medical student wrote "brilliant analysis but needed more real-world examples." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) Google Books: No ratings available Most reviews come from academic citations rather than consumer reviews, reflecting its scholarly target audience. The book is frequently referenced in bioethics journals and medical ethics coursework.

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Principles of Biomedical Ethics by Tom L. Beauchamp, James F. Childress A systematic analysis of the core principles that guide medical ethics decision-making, including autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence.

From Chance to Choice: Genetics and Justice by Allen Buchanan, Dan W. Brock, Norman Daniels, Daniel Wikler An exploration of ethical implications in genetic technology and its impact on human agency, autonomy, and social justice.

The Patient as Person: Explorations in Medical Ethics by Paul Ramsey A foundational text examining the relationship between medical practitioners and patients through the lens of moral philosophy and human dignity.

Justice and the Human Body by Cecile Fabre A philosophical investigation of bodily rights, medical consent, and the ethical boundaries of human tissue commodification in healthcare.

🔵 Onora O'Neill is not only a philosopher but also a cross-bench member of the UK House of Lords, appointed as Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve in 1999. 🔵 The book challenges the conventional view that increasing informed consent requirements always leads to greater patient autonomy, suggesting that excessive paperwork can actually hinder meaningful communication. 🔵 Rather than treating informed consent as a one-time event, the authors propose viewing it as an ongoing "waiver of obligations" throughout the medical process. 🔵 The text draws connections between medical ethics and media ethics, examining how both fields struggle with issues of transparency and trust in professional relationships. 🔵 Published in 2007, this work emerged during a period of growing debate about patient rights following several medical research scandals, including the Alder Hey organs scandal in the UK.