Computer-based patient information. Legal basis, concept and 10 years' experience

Culpable deficits of the preoperative information cause a complete illegali ty of the whole medical intervention and lead to liability for any resultin g damage. In cases of controversy it's the physician's due to prove the cor rect preoperative information. To reduce these liability-risks a computer b ased information system has been developed. With its help an working sheet is provided which is individually adjusted for the patient. Based upon this record the real preoperative information takes place, after the patient si gned the record the physician keeps it at his disposal for proving the cont ents of the preoperative information. The conception's use over many years shows that overlooking essential aspects and misunderstanding can grossly b e excluded for the patient and a high quality of information can be reached .