Table 2 Different responses of doctors when it comes to informed consent for different patients

Q1:What will you do when informing patients who are accompanied by family members (or children)about a significant(severe) medical condition?

A.I will inform the patient himself/herself only

20(5.4)

14(3.8)

<0.001

B. I will ensure the family is equally informed unless the patient explicitly expresses a desire for their family members to remain uninformed

254(69.0)

146(39.7)

C. I will ensure the family is equally informed even if the patient explicitly expresses a desire for their family members to remain uninformed

35(9.5)

100(27.2)

D. I will inform the family members first and let them inform the patient

59(16.1)

108(29.3)

Total

368

368

Q2: What is the primary reason to ensure the family members are equally informed? (For those who did not select A in Q1)

A.A major medical condition can have an impact on the whole family, so families also have the right to know

144(41.4)

128(36.2)

B. Informing family members to let them to discuss with patients can help patients make better decisions

139(39.9)

180(50.8)

C. Such a strategy can help me to avoid medical disputes and preventing family members from holding doctors accountable on the grounds of not being informed

62(17.8)

44(12.4)

D. It is required by supervising physicians

1(0.3)

0

E. Other

2(0.6)

2(0.6)

Total

348

354

Q3: What would you do if family members asked you to conceal the patient’s medical condition by claiming that it is in the patient’s best interest?

A. I will respect the views of the family and cooperate with them in concealing the condition from the patient

270(73.4)

293(79.6)

B. I will refuse it and let the family know that it violates professional ethics

73(19.8)

55(14.9)

C. Depends on the situation

21(5.7)

18(4.9)

D. Report to the supervisors and follow their instructions

4(1.1)

2(0.6)

Total

368

368