Weight Loss Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make educated decisions about their health. Medical treatments can be quite invasive, so patients should be able to decide from the facts about risks and the way their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to administer treatments to patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition where a patient is provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. Once this information is received the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat before any form of treatment can be provided. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances the patients aren’t equipped with the skills to comprehend their treatment options and the benefits and risks associated with each. In some instances, patients may not be able communicate their decisions to the health workers. In such situations patients are said to not possess adequate capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, then, is allowed to provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance can be deemed to not having the capacity to make decisions. The patients who are unconscious can’t make decisions on own, and outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Weight Loss Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the acting physician
The risks and the benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated of refusing treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be documented in a written document however, they must be discussed with the patient. This way, he or she will fully understand the particulars of the case and will be able to get immediate answers to any queries that might arise.