[Patient education during outpatient procedures]

Patient education is a key obligation for doctors under the treatment contract. The expansion of the AOP catalogue (catalogue of operations that can be performed on an outpatient basis in accordance with Section 115b of the Fifth Book of the German Social Code (SGB V)) from January 2023 opens up new outpatient treatment options that tend to involve higher risks. This risk profile must be taken into account when informing patients.In any case, the timing of the information should be chosen so that the patient can give their consent in a well-considered manner. There is no fixed "blocking period" between information and consent, so the patient can consent immediately. In the case of high-risk procedures, the patient should be informed several days in advance. Criteria for determining the right time are the type and severity of the procedure, urgency and individual circumstances of the patient. The information provided should be complete and comprehensible, including the diagnosis, need for treatment, risks and alternatives. Comprehensive documentation of the information provided goes without saying.Telemedical counselling is possible in suitable cases, but the risk of timely and complete counselling remains with the doctor performing the procedure. In view of outpatient procedures that require follow-up care at home, the safety information should be more comprehensive.The expansion of the AOP catalogue opens up new opportunities for outpatient procedures, but harbours legal risks. Adapted risk and safety information is required, whereby telemedicine can optimise practice organisation.