Example Of Informed Consent Form For Research Study – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able to determine according to the known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals can administer treatments to patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement in which patients are provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical health and the recommended treatment by the doctor in charge. After receiving this information the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat before any form of treatment is provided. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the capacity to comprehend the options for treatment and the risks and benefits that come with each. In other circumstances patients might not be able to effectively convey their preferences to health care professionals. In these situations patients are said to lack the necessary capacity to make decisions. A family member 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 instance could be classified as not possessing decision making capacity. Patients who are in the state of unconscious can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Example Of Informed Consent Form For Research Study
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the acting physician
The risks and benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are readily available, as well as their risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with refusing any treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be documented, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he will be able to comprehend what is happening and can get direct answers to any concerns that might have arisen.