Consent And Authorization Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able decide the risks that are known to be present and the way their bodies will be treated. Therefore, before medical workers are allowed to provide treatment to patients they must be given the process of informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement in which patients are provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical state and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. Once this information is received patients must be able to give the physician their consent to treat before any form of treatment is given. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the capabilities to fully understand their options regarding treatment, and the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances patients may not be able communicate their decision to health professionals. In such situations the patient is said not to have adequate decision making capacity. Family members or a court appointed representative then, is allowed to take over informed consent.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for instance – may be determined as not able to make decisions. People who are not conscious can’t make decisions on alone, and external parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent And Authorization Form
Certain elements are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The recommended treatment is suggested by the acting physician
The risks and benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are readily available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come of refusing treatment at all
Not only should these details be documented in a written document, but they must also have a discussion with the patient. This way, he or she will fully understand the particulars of the case and receive direct responses to any questions that may be arising.