Assent Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed choices about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be invasive, so patients should be able to decide in light of known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they must obtain what is known as informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition that requires that a patient be provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the physician in charge. After receiving this information patients must be able to give the physician their consent to treat prior to any form of treatment is provided. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients don’t have the skills to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances patients might not be able to effectively communicate their decision to health care professionals. In such situations the patient is considered not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. An individual from the family or court-appointed representative then, is allowed to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for example can be deemed to not having the capacity for decision-making. Patients who are in the state of unconscious cannot make decisions on their independently, and other people need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Assent Consent Form
Certain elements are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages of refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be recorded in the documentation They must also been discussed by the patient. So, he will be able to comprehend what is happening and can get direct answers to any questions that may be arising.
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