Consent Form Template Word – Everyone should be able to make educated decisions about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be invasive, so patients should be able decide the risks that are known to be present of their body, how it will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to administer treatments to patients, they need to receive the so-called informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal requirement under which a patient is informed of the condition of their body and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. After receiving this information patients must offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care is delivered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider cannot provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases patients don’t have the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options and the risks/benefits associated with each. In other instances patients may not be able to effectively communicate their decision to health professionals. In these situations the patient is considered to lack the appropriate capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, could then be able to give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance – may be determined as not able to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent Form Template Word
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The procedure recommended by the doctor in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments that are available, along with their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with refusing any treatment at all
These items must not only be detailed in documentation, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he can fully comprehend what is happening and get straight answers to any questions that be arising.