Define Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed choices about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide the risks that are known to be present of their body, how it will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to treat patients, they must be given what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition where a patient is provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. After receiving this information the patient must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of care can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the knowledge to fully comprehend their options in terms of treatment and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other circumstances patients might not be able to communicate their decisions to the health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient to lack the necessary capacity to make decisions. Family members or a court appointed representative could then be able to take over informed consent.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for example they could be judged as not having the capacity to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on own, and outside parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Define Consent Form
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the doctor in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages with accepting no treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be detailed in documentation, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he will be able to comprehend all the details of the scenario and receive direct responses to any questions that may arise.
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