Blood Transfusion Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed choices about their healthcare. Medical treatments can be quite sensitive, so patients must be able decide, based on known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to treat patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal requirement that requires that a patient be given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical state and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. Once this information is received the patient is required to give the doctor their consent to treat prior to any form of treatment is administered. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the ability to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits of each. In other situations patients might not be able communicate their decision to health care professionals. When this occurs the patient is said not to have adequate decision making capacity. Family members or a court appointed representative can perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for instance are deemed not having the capacity to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on independently, and other people are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Blood Transfusion Consent Form
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment that is recommended by the medical professional in charge
The risks and the benefits associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated with refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be detailed in documentation However, they should also communicated with the person receiving the treatment. This way, he or will be able to comprehend all the details of the scenario and will receive immediate responses to any questions that may be arising.