Electronic Consent Form Template – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their health. Medical procedures can be sensitive, so patients must be able to determine the risks that are known to be present and the way their bodies will be treated. Therefore, before medical workers can administer treatments to patients, they need to receive the process of informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of the physical condition and the recommended treatment by the treating physician. Once this information is received the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional is not permitted to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients don’t have the knowledge to fully comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances, patients may not be able to effectively communicate their decision to health workers. Under these circumstances, the patient is said to lack the necessary decision making capacity. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative in this case, can perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for example they could be judged as not having the capacity to make decisions. The patients who are unconscious cannot take decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Electronic Consent Form Template
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment that is recommended by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, along with their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated of refusing treatment at all
These items must not only be recorded in the documentation They must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he is able to fully comprehend the details of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any questions that arise.