Overtime Consent Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be risky, therefore patients should be able to determine from the facts about risks of their body, how it will be treated. So, before medical professionals can be able to treat their patients, they must obtain the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition in which patients are given a complete and accurate description of the physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information the patient is required to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent health care professional is not permitted to offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the skills to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks/benefits of each. In other situations patients might not be able to effectively explain their decisions to health workers. When this occurs the patient is said to lack the appropriate capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, could then be able to take over informed consent.
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 cannot make decisions on independently, and other people must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Overtime Consent Form
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The procedure recommended by the doctor in charge
The risks and the benefits associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are also offered, as are their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be detailed in documentation However, they should also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he or will be able to comprehend the details of the situation and get straight answers to any queries that might have arisen.