Baus Consent Forms – Everyone should be able to make informed choices about their healthcare. Medical procedures can be invasive, so patients should be able, in the end, to decide the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to operate on patients, they have to obtain the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical state and the recommended treatment by the acting physician. After receiving this information the patient is required to provide the physician with consent to treat prior to any form or treatment can be administered. Without informed consent from the patient, a health care provider is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients lack the skills to comprehend the options for treatment and the potential risks and benefits associated with each. In some instances patients might not be able to communicate their decision to health workers. If this happens the patient is considered not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. The family member, or court appointed representative can perform informed consent instead.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, as an example they could be judged as not having the capacity to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Baus Consent Forms
There are certain elements that are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and the benefits associated with this procedure
There are alternative treatments available, as well as their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with refusing treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be recorded in the documentation however, they must be discussed with the patient. In this way, he or will be able to comprehend the details of the situation and receive direct responses to any questions that arise.