Contrast Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. The medical procedures can be injurious, and patients must be able to determine from the facts about risks and the way their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals are permitted to provide treatment to patients they must be given the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition that requires that a patient be informed of his or her physical health and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. After receiving this information the patient is required to give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of treatment can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients lack the ability to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In some instances patients might not be able to convey their preferences to health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper decision making capacity. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative could then be able to provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for example are deemed not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on independent of themselves, so outsiders must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Contrast Consent Form
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment that is recommended by the acting physician
The risks and benefits that come with this procedure
Alternative treatments are readily offered, as are their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come of refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be recorded in the documentation however, they must discuss the situation with patients. This way, he can be fully aware of what is happening and receive direct responses to any questions that arise.