Phi Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able to decide the risks that are known to be present, how their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to administer treatments to patients, they must receive the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition under which a patient has been provided with a full and complete description of the physical condition and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient has to be able to give the physician their consent to treat prior to any form of care can be delivered. Without informed consent from the patient, a health care provider cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits associated with each one. In other cases patients might not be able to communicate their choices to health professionals. In these situations the patient is said not to have adequate capacity to make decisions. Family members or a court-appointed representative, could then be able to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear, as an example can be deemed to not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot take decisions on their independently, and other people must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Phi Consent Form
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the acting physician
The risks and benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their benefits and risks
The benefits and risks associated with refusing any treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be detailed in documentation, but they must also been discussed by the patient. So, he is able to fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and will receive immediate responses to any queries that might be arising.