Australia RACGP Standards for After-hours and Medical Deputising Services (5th edition) C1.3: Informed patient decisions: patients are told the purpose, importance, benefits and risks of proposed investigations, referrals and treatments, and are given information that helps them understand their diagnosis and manage their condition

What does C1.3 require?

Even in a single after-hours encounter the patient decides. Before an investigation, referral or treatment the clinician explains what it is for, how important it is, the expected benefits and the risks, including the option of waiting to see the regular GP, and checks understanding. Patients also receive information that supports their diagnosis, treatment and self-care until follow-up, in a form they can use. Significant discussions and the patient's decision are noted in the record and in the report to the regular practice.