Consent Form 1229 – Every person should be able to make informed decisions about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able to decide the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are allowed to operate on patients, they have to obtain the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition in which patients are provided with specific information regarding the physical condition and the treatment recommended by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. Once this information is received the patient must be able to give the physician their consent to treat prior to any form or treatment can be delivered. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the knowledge to fully comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other cases patients might not be able to effectively communicate their decisions to the health professionals. If this happens the patient is considered to lack the appropriate decision making capacity. The family member, or court-appointed representative, then, is allowed to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance could be classified as lacking the ability to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly are unable to make decisions on their independently, and other people have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent Form 1229
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment that is recommended by the physician in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be detailed in documentation However, they should also be discussed with the patient. This way, he or can be fully aware of what is happening and can get direct answers to any questions that may be arising.