Generic Consent Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able to decide in light of known risks, how their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to provide treatment to patients they have to obtain what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition in which patients are provided with detailed information about the physical condition and the treatment suggested by the treating physician. After receiving this information the patient has to offer the physician consent to treat before any form of treatment can be given. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options , as well as the benefits and risks associated with each one. In other situations, patients may not be able to communicate their choices to health workers. If this happens it is believed that the patient to lack the necessary capacity to make decisions. Family members or a court-appointed representative can provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for example could be classified as not having the capacity for decision-making. People who are not conscious cannot make decisions on alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Generic Consent Form
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this method of treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with refusing any treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be recorded in the documentation, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. In this way, he or she will fully understand what is happening and get straight answers to any queries that might have arisen.
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