Patient information in radiology: medico-legal considerations

Abstract

Information constitutes a basic right of the patient and a legal obligation of the physicians. Radiological daily practice has evolved mainly by introducing the care rule of radiologists. This active rule is leading to add new medico-legal challenges. Patient Information is considered as a cornerstone of the valid consent to radiological investigations.
A lack of information constitutes a fault against medical humanism being able to engage civil or administrative medical liability. Therefore, radiologists must be aware and familiar with their obligations towards patients, including the requirement to provide adequate information.