Immunization Consent Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. Medical treatments can be quite demanding, and therefore patients should be able to ultimately determine the risks that are known to be present as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are permitted to administer treatments to patients, they have to obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement where a patient is provided with a full and complete description of the condition of their body and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. Once this information is received patients must be able to give the physician their consent to treat before any form or treatment can be provided. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the ability to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits associated with each. In some instances patients may not be able explain their decisions to health professionals. If this happens the patient is said not to possess the proper capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative in this case, can take over informed consent.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for example could be classified as not having the capacity for decision-making. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot make decisions on independently, and other people must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Immunization Consent Form
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the doctor in charge
The risks and advantages associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are readily available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with accepting no treatment at all
The items should not only be detailed in documentation They must also communicated with the person receiving the treatment. So, he will be able to comprehend the details of the situation and receive direct responses to any concerns that might be arising.