Consent Form Example Psychology – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able decide according to the known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are permitted to provide treatment to patients they need to receive the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of the condition of their body and the treatment recommended by the physician in charge. After receiving this information, the patient must give the doctor their consent to treat prior to any form or treatment can be given. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances, patients do not possess the ability to comprehend their treatment options and the risks/benefits of each. In some instances, patients may not be able communicate their decisions to the health professionals. Under these circumstances the patient is said not to have adequate capacity for decision-making. An individual from the family or court appointed representative can take over informed consent.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for example are deemed not having the capacity to make decisions. Patients who are in the state of unconscious are unable to make decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Consent Form Example Psychology
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the physician in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with accepting no treatment whatsoever
Not only should these details be documented in a written document, but they must also been discussed by the patient. This way, he or can be fully aware of what is happening and get straight answers to any questions that may have arisen.