Hixny Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The medical procedures can be injurious, and patients must be able, in the end, to decide the risks that are known to be present and the way their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals can provide treatment to patients they must obtain what is known as 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 recommended by the treating physician. After receiving this information, the patient must offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care is given. Without the patient’s informed consent any health professional is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients don’t have the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each one. In other cases patients might not be able communicate their choices to health care professionals. Under these circumstances the patient is said not to possess the proper capacity for decision-making. A family member or court appointed representative then, is allowed to provide informed consent instead.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – anxiety or fear, for example could be classified as not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly are unable to make decisions on their own, and outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Hixny Consent Form
There are certain elements that are common to all consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment that is recommended by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments are also offered, as are their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with accepting no treatment at all
These items must not only be detailed in documentation however, they must been discussed by the patient. In this way, he or can fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any concerns that might be arising.