Consent For Medical Treatment Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Medical treatments can be quite sensitive, so patients must be able, in the end, to decide according to the known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. So, before medical professionals are permitted to administer treatments to patients, they must receive what is known as informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition under which a patient has been provided with specific information regarding the physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the treating physician. Once this information is received the patient has to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form or treatment can be provided. Without informed consent from the patient health care professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases patients may not have the ability to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits associated with each one. In other instances, patients may not be able communicate their decisions to the health professionals. When this occurs it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. An individual from the family or court-appointed representative then, is allowed to provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for instance they could be judged as not having the capacity for decision-making. Patients who are in the state of unconscious cannot take decisions on their independently, and other people have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent For Medical Treatment Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The procedure recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and the benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages with refusing treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be recorded in the documentation However, they should also have a discussion with the patient. In this way, he or can fully comprehend the details of the situation and get straight answers to any queries that might arise.