Authorization And Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed choices about their health. The medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide in light of known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals can provide treatment to patients they must be given what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement that requires that a patient be provided with specific information regarding the condition of their body and the treatment suggested by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient must give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of treatment is delivered. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional cannot provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each. In other situations patients might not be able convey their preferences to health workers. If this happens, the patient is said not to possess the proper decision making capacity. Family members or a court-appointed representative in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for instance – may be determined as not having the capacity to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly are unable to make decisions on their own, and outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Authorization And Consent Form
There are certain elements that are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and advantages associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are readily available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards of refusing treatment at all
Not only must these items be recorded in the documentation however, they must be discussed with the patient. This way, he can be fully aware of all the details of the scenario and get straight answers to any issues that may have arisen.
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