Conscious Sedation Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make educated decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be risky, therefore patients should be able to decide according to the known risks that their bodies should be treated. So, before medical professionals can be able to treat their patients, they need to receive the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal requirement under which a patient is given a complete and accurate description of the physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the treating physician. Once this information is received, the patient must offer the physician consent to treat before any form of care is offered. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options and the risks and benefits that come with each one. In other instances patients might not be able to effectively explain their decisions 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 in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions – anxiety or fear, for example can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. People who are not conscious cannot take decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Conscious Sedation Consent Form
Certain elements are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The procedure recommended by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with refusing any treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be documented in a written document, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. In this way, he or she will fully understand the particulars of the case and will receive immediate responses to any issues that may arise.