Consent And Release Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able decide, based on known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals can be able to treat their patients, they have to obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement that requires that a patient be provided with specific information regarding the physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. Once this information is received patients must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of care can be administered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases the patients aren’t equipped with the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options , as well as the benefits and risks associated with each one. In other cases patients might not be able to communicate their choices to health workers. When this occurs patients are said to not possess adequate capacity for decision-making. The family member, or court appointed representative can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions, like anxiety or fear for instance they could be judged as not possessing decision making capacity. Patients who are in the state of unconscious can’t make decisions on alone, and external parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Consent And Release Form
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The procedure recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages of refusing treatment at all
These items must not only be detailed in documentation however, they must be discussed with the patient. This way, he can be fully aware of what is happening and can get direct answers to any queries that might arise.