Informed consent is a commendable concept: it gives patients the power of participating in decisions concerning their own management, to a greater degree than ever before. The qualifying adjective is superfluous, for the word consent (cum, together; sentire, to feel, perceive) clearly implies sharing of information. Patients do have problems understanding the nature of their illness and management plans. It is the duty of the doctor to ensure that the patient is helped to make a rational decision.