Is there a foundation in South African legislation to require students to disclose their academic status to patients when involved in their care?

Abstract

Student involvement in patient care has been debated for many decades. There is an increasing body of literature calling for greater respect for patients’ rights in a teaching environment. South African legislation already gives patients certain rights, including the right to non-medical information such as the costs of procedures. This paper analyses pertinent international guidelines and South African legislation to ascertain whether the existing rights of patients extend to the teaching environment. It is concluded that patients have a right to informed consent in every aspect of healthcare, including student involvement.