Is the Current Informed Consent Model Flawed?

Is the Current Informed Consent Model Flawed?
Book Chapter
Bert Heinrichs, Serap Ergin Aslan
Integrity of Scientific Research, 14 October; pp 549–557 [Springer]
Abstract
Informed consent is a widely acknowledged ethical principle that plays a crucial role, both in research ethics and medical ethics. However, empirical findings as well as theoretical considerations suggest that the current model of informed consent might be flawed. In particular, the understanding of information disclosed to patients and research participants during the consent process proves to be limited. This, in turn, casts serious doubt on the validity of the consent. In this paper, we will review the current state of research on informed consent and discuss the charge of inadequacy. Subsequently, we will examine some suggestions that have been presented in the literature to improve the current model of informed consent. At the end, we will summarize the current state of the discussion and give a brief outlook on future developments.