High Risk Consent Form Sample – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions about their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be risky, therefore patients should be able to decide according to the known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to operate on patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition in which patients are provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the doctor in charge. After receiving this information, the patient must give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of care is administered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations the patients aren’t equipped with the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options and the risks and benefits that come with each. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to explain their decisions to health workers. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to have adequate capacity to make decisions. Family members or a court appointed representative can provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – anxiety or fear for instance can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. People who are not conscious are unable to make decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an High Risk Consent Form Sample
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The recommended treatment is suggested by the doctor in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this method of treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment at all
Not only must these items be documented in a written document however, they must be discussed with the patient. In this way, he or can fully comprehend the particulars of the case and get straight answers to any issues that may have arisen.