Applying consent law in clinical practice

In this episode of our new ethics and law podcast series, host Paul McConnell is joined by Sevim Ahmet, Legal Director at Fieldfisher and member of the RCoA Ethics Committee, to unpack one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of clinical practice: consent. Together, they explore how the legal principles of landmark cases such as Montgomery and McCulloch apply in real-world healthcare settings, discussing patient autonomy, material risk, trainee involvement, capacity, and the realities of obtaining informed consent under time pressure. Through practical examples and insights from the courtroom, this engaging conversation offers clinicians valuable guidance on navigating complex consent discussions while highlighting the crucial role of clear communication and robust documentation.