The Journal of family practice
-
Informed consent, regardless of patient recall, is required in increasing detail. The family physician must obtain consent from every patient for every procedure except for a few clearly defined areas: "Emergency," "Waiver," "Therapeutic Privilege," "Immaterial Risks," and "Generally Known Risks." Because courts have adopted the "reasonable patient" standard of disclosure, suits can be won without expert testimony. The elements of informed consent require explaining the nature of the procedure, the consequences that will probably occur, the material risks that may occur, alternatives available, and problems in recuperation. Consent, like any contract, is a meeting of the minds and the physician has an obligation to himself to document that agreement.
-
Pulmonary function tests provide important clinical information in patients with pulmonary disease. Spirometry gives accurate, rapid information regarding the presence or absence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease and the response to bronchodilators. Particular attention to technique is necessary for valid results. Further information on pulmonary function is provided by the measurement of static lung volumes by dilution techniques or body plethysmography; in some instances lung compliance measurements are indicated.