Army Opat Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able to decide in light of known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to be able to treat their patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition in which patients are provided with detailed information about 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 has 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 the health professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations, patients do not possess the capacity to comprehend the options for treatment and the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances patients may not be able explain their decisions to health professionals. When this occurs the patient is considered not to possess the proper capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative then, is allowed to give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not having the capacity to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Army Opat Consent Form
Certain elements are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment recommended by the physician who is acting
The benefits and risks associated with this treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated of refusing treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be recorded in the documentation however, they must discuss the situation with patients. This way, he or is able to fully comprehend the details of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any issues that may have arisen.