The literature on informed consent and its ethico-legal significance in clinical practice has grown rapidly in recent years. This unique book offers a practical description of the principles of informed consent and their application in daily clinical practice. Written by a team of experts in medical ethics and law, the chapters use a case-based approach to elucidate the essence of consent and highlight the ways in which individual patients and diverse situations can shape and even challenge the fundamental principles of informed consent. A range of situations in both primary and secondary care are covered and the content is arranged conceptually to help emphasise certain recurrent and related themes. An informative and rigorous yet accessible text, Informed Consent: A Primer for Clinical Practice is an essential resource for healthcare professionals working in all medical fields.

Deborah Bowman is Senior Lecturer in Medical Ethics and Law, Centre for Medical and Healthcare Education, Division of Population Health Sciences and Education, St George's, University of London, UK. John Spicer is a GP in South London, UK and Head of School, London School of General Practice, University of London. He has written widely on ethical matters in clinical practice, and maintains active interests in the medical humanities and the ethics of primary medical care. Rehana Iqbal is Consultant Anaesthetist and Lecturer in Medical Ethics and Law, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust and Centre for Medical and Healthcare Education, Division of Population Health Sciences and Education, St George's, University of London, UK.