Download Parent Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able to decide according to the known risks that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are allowed to treat patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement under which a patient is given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical health and the treatment suggested by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient has to be able to give the physician their consent to treat prior to any form of care can be given. Without the patient’s informed consent health care professional is not permitted to offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations, patients do not possess the capacity to comprehend their treatment options and the risks and benefits that come with each. In other situations patients may not be able convey their preferences to health workers. If this happens it is believed that the patient to lack the necessary decision making capacity. Family members or a court-appointed representative, could then be able to take over informed consent.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not having the capacity to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot take decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Download Parent Consent Form
Certain elements are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the physician who is acting
The benefits and risks associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments that are available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with not accepting any treatment at all
Not only must these items be documented, but they must also be discussed with the patient. This way, he can be fully aware of all the details of the scenario and will be able to get immediate answers to any questions that be arising.