Medical informed consent in Kazakhstan and ethical considerations

Abstract

Informed consent is an integral part of healthcare provision. It is a process where doctors explain to the patient the diagnosis, treatment methods, alternatives and risks so that the patient can make an informed decision. Despite the importance of regulating the consent process, there is limited studies in Kazakhstan on how effectively this process is practiced. Methods: This paper analyzes the medical informed consent process in Kazakhstan, covering ethical protocols and governing legal & regulatory acts and aims at comparative analysis of the consent process in Kazakhstan with the UK. Results: The process of informed consent for medical intervention lacks provision of its principles and Kazakhstan's system does not provide for a multi-stage system of verification of consent and patient safety. The local practice needs a guideline document on informed consent for medical workers, which describes all the basic principles of action.