Endotracheal Intubation Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make educated decisions about their medical care. Medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able to decide according to the known risks of their body, how it will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are permitted to be able to treat their patients, they must receive the process of informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the doctor in charge. After receiving this information the patient must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment is provided. Without the patient’s informed consent health care professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases patients lack the ability to comprehend their treatment options and the potential risks and benefits associated with each. In other circumstances patients might not be able to communicate their decisions to the health workers. In such situations patients are said to not possess adequate capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, then, is allowed to take over informed consent.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance are deemed not possessing decision making capacity. The patients who are unconscious cannot make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Endotracheal Intubation Consent Form
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and benefits that come with this procedure
There are alternative treatments available, as well as their risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages with not accepting any treatment at all
Not only must these items be documented They must also have a discussion with the patient. This way, he or will be able to comprehend the details of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any concerns that might have arisen.