Lifetime Consent Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able to decide in light of known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals can treat patients, they must obtain the so-called informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition in which patients are provided with detailed information about his or her physical health and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. Once this information is received patients must provide the physician with consent to treat before any form of care can be given. Without informed consent from the patient, a health care provider is not permitted to offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances the patients aren’t equipped with the capacity to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances patients may not be able explain their decisions to health workers. If this happens the patient is considered to not possess adequate capacity to make decisions. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, in this case, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. Patients who are in the state of unconscious cannot make decisions on independently, and other people are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Lifetime Consent Form
Certain elements are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and advantages associated with this method of treatment
There are alternative treatments offered, as are their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits associated with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be documented However, they should also communicated with the person receiving the treatment. This way, he she will fully understand what is happening and can get direct answers to any queries that might arise.
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