Incorporating informed consent in 3D bioprinting medical treatment

Abstract

3D Bioprinting is a rapidly emerging technology and has the potential to benefit future medical and healthcare sectors. However, 3D bioprinting are facing challenges in its implementation particularly with regards to patient’s consent. There are two research objectives in this study, firstly, to examine the doctrine of informed consent and its application in medical treatment using 3D bioprinting and secondly, to recommend changes in Consent Guidelines in Malaysian Medical Council incorporating informed consent guideline for medical treatment using 3D bioprinting. This study contributes in the field of 3D bioprinting and it has expanded the discussion on doctrine of informed consent by applying it into 3D bioprinting. This is a qualitative study which employs content analysis method. Findings shows that there is a dire need for a clear guideline for medical practitioner to get patient’s consent in receiving medical treatment particularly by using 3D bioprinting in order to avoid any claims and suits that occurs due to medical negligence in specific, failing to ensure informed consent is obtained from patient before medical treatment is done. It is recommended to update the Malaysian Medical Council to update the guideline on obtaining informed consent in 3D bioprinting medical treatment. Future studies can address the application of informed consent in medical treatment using 3D bioprinting through quantitative study.