Emedical Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed choices about their medical care. Medical treatments can be sensitive, so patients must be able to determine, based on known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel can administer treatments to patients, they need to receive the so-called informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding requirement where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical health and the treatment recommended by the treating physician. After receiving this information the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form or treatment can be offered. Without the patient’s informed consent health care professional cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients lack the skills to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks and benefits that come with each. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to communicate their decisions to the health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. A family member or court-appointed representative can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance – may be determined as lacking the ability to make decisions. People who are not conscious cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Emedical Consent Form
Certain elements are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments are also offered, as are their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits associated with refusing treatment at all
Not only should these details be detailed in documentation however, they must have a discussion with the patient. This way, he she will fully understand the details of the situation and can get direct answers to any queries that might be arising.