Female Patients and Informed Consent: Oman’s cultural background

Abstract

Female patients in Oman face a certain amount of pressure from their families when making high-stakes decisions regarding personal healthcare. In fact, some women waive their right to make decisions, typically giving that responsibility to their husbands or fathers. This article highlights the need to empower females in decision-making when it comes to their own well-being. Moreover, informed consent should not be signed by anyone but the patient herself if the patient is deemed competent by a medical professional. Keywords: Informed Consent; Female; Decision Making; Clinical Competence; Medical Ethics; Patient Rights; Oman.