Consent Form For Participation In A Research Study – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. The medical procedures can be risky, therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide, based on known risks, how their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement in which patients are provided with specific information regarding his or her physical health as well as the treatment that is recommended by the physician in charge. Once this information is received the patient must provide the physician with consent to treat prior to any form of care can be administered. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients don’t have the ability to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks and benefits that come with each. In some instances patients may not be able communicate their choices to health professionals. In such situations the patient is said not to possess the proper decision making capacity. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative will then be permitted to perform informed consent instead.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – anxiety or fear, for example they could be judged as not possessing decision making capacity. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent Form For Participation In A Research Study
Certain elements are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment that is recommended by the acting physician
The risks and advantages associated with this treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their benefits and risks
The potential risks and rewards with refusing any treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be detailed in documentation However, they should also have a discussion with the patient. So, he is able to fully comprehend the details of the situation and can get direct answers to any questions that may have arisen.