Consent Application Form – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able to determine the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to provide treatment to patients they must obtain what is known as informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding requirement that requires that a patient be informed of his or her physical state as well as the treatment that is recommended by the acting physician. After receiving this information, the patient must provide the physician with consent to treat prior to any form of care is delivered. Without informed consent from the patient, a health care provider cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations, patients do not possess the skills to comprehend their options in terms of treatment and the risks/benefits of each one. In some instances patients might not be able convey their preferences to health professionals. When this occurs it is believed that the patient to lack the appropriate capacity to make decisions. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, as an example can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. Patients who are in the state of unconscious can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Consent Application Form
Certain elements are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and advantages associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are also available, along with their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with not accepting any treatment at all
These details must not only be documented However, they should also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he will be able to comprehend the specifics of the situation and receive direct responses to any questions that may arise.