Affidavit Of Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make educated decisions about their health. Medical treatments can be quite invasive, so patients should be able decide the risks that are known to be present of their body, how it will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to operate on patients, they must be given what is known as informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition that requires that a patient be provided with specific information regarding his or her physical health and the treatment suggested 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 before any form of treatment can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent any health professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances the patients aren’t equipped with the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each one. In other circumstances patients may not be able explain their decisions to health workers. In these situations it is believed that the patient to not possess adequate capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, then, is allowed to perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – anxiety or fear for instance are deemed lacking the ability to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Affidavit Of Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment that is recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be recorded in the patient’s medical records They must also have a discussion with the patient. This way, he will be able to comprehend the specifics of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any questions that may have arisen.