What arguments are there for and against full informed consent? In favour is the need to respect another's right to self-determination. Also, information about the trial will improve the patient's knowledge and understanding of his illness and treatment. And some doctors might consider it worthwhile to involve patients when decisions are made, while others might merely be trying to protect themselves from unwelcome publicity. Indeed, informed consent may be chiefly a legalistic device to pass on to the patient unpleasant responsibilities that should have been the physician's.