Published on
Updated
Reading 1 min.
In a press release, the National Council of the College of Physicians recalls good practices related to medical consent. A useful reminder when a cabinet in Indre-et-Loire had displayed the possibility of refusing appointments if patients did not accept a complete gynecological examination.
This is a story that has been denounced by the collective “Stop obstetric & gynecological violence“, on May 30. In Indre-et-Loire, a gynecology office displayed instructions encouraging women to accept a complete gynecological examination, as soon as they agreed to go there for consultation. On the contrary, in the event of refusal, the firm could decide to simply cancel the consultation.
A publication accepted by the Council of the Order in August 2022
These practices, denounced by the collective, provoked an outcry. The Order of Physicians, which had accepted the publication of this posting in this cabinet last August, had to explain itself.
In a press release, he justifies himself and apologizes: “The Indre-et-Loire Departmental Council of the College of Physicians apologizes to all patients who have been injured by the content of this poster and wishes to inform that these posters have been removed and replaced by the poster of the CNGOF” (the National College of French Obstetrician Gynecologists, editor’s note). In addition to its mea culpa, the Order “wishes to inform that doctors do not have to cancel a medical appointment if a patient refuses one of the medically advised examinations“.
Consent that can be withdrawn at any time
In addition to these elements concerning this case, the Order of Physicians recalls “the importance of fair and appropriate information allowing the patient’s consent to be obtained during all medical examinations, in particular during gynecological and obstetrical consultations”.
This consent, it should be remembered, must be obtained at each stage of medical care and can be given but also withdrawn by the patient at any time, in the event of discomfort or pain. In this case, it is up to the doctor to explain the need for the examination and to give a new appointment, if it is essential.