Testimonial Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed decisions regarding their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able to decide, based on known risks that their bodies should be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they must be given the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition in which patients are provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the treating physician. After receiving this information the patient must provide the physician with consent to treat before any form of treatment can be given. Without informed consent from the patient, a health care provider cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients may not have the capacity to comprehend the options for treatment and the risks/benefits associated with each. In other situations, patients may not be able to convey their preferences to health professionals. When this occurs the patient is considered not to have adequate decision making capacity. A family member or court-appointed representative, then, is allowed to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance they could be judged as not possessing decision making capacity. The ones who are asleep clearly can’t make decisions on independently, and other people are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Testimonial Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The procedure recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and the benefits associated with this procedure
There are alternative treatments offered, as are their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated with refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only should these details be recorded in the patient’s medical records They must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he can be fully aware of the details of the situation and can get direct answers to any questions that have arisen.