Consent Form Canada Pdf – Everybody should be able to make educated decisions about their healthcare. Medical treatments can be injurious, and patients must be able, in the end, to decide the risks that are known to be present as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to operate on patients, they have to obtain what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition where a patient is provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. After receiving this information the patient must offer the physician consent to treat before any form of treatment can be administered. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients may not have the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options and the benefits and risks associated with each. In other cases patients might not be able to effectively convey their preferences to health workers. In these situations, the patient is said not to possess the proper decision making capacity. A family member or court-appointed representative could then be able to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, as an example are deemed not possessing decision making capacity. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on their alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent Form Canada Pdf
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment recommended by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are available, as well as their risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be detailed in documentation They must also communicated with the person receiving the treatment. This way, he can fully comprehend the details of the situation and will receive immediate responses to any questions that may arise.