The ‘adequate information’ that must be provided by a doctor or a member of his team, who treats the patient, should help the patient to make a balanced judgment about whether to submit himself to the particular treatment or not.

The doctor should disclose the following:

1. nature and procedure of the treatment and its purpose, benefits and effect;
2. alternatives if any;
3. an outline of the substantial risks; and
4. adverse consequences of refusing treatment.

There is no need to explain remote or theoretical risks involved, which might frighten or confuse the patient and result in refusal of consent for the necessary treatment.

Also, there is no need to explain the remote or theoretical risks of refusal to take treatment which may persuade a patient to undergo an unnecessary treatment. 

A balance needs to be achieved between the need for disclosing the required and adequate information and avoiding the possibility of the patient being discouraged from giving consent to a necessary treatment or offering to undergo an unnecessary treatment.