Importance Of Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able decide in light of known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals can be able to treat their patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement in which patients are informed of the physical condition as well as the treatment that is recommended by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information the patient has to give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of care can be offered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the knowledge to fully comprehend the options for treatment and the risks/benefits of each one. In other situations patients might not be able to communicate their decision to health professionals. If this happens the patient is considered not to have adequate capacity for decision-making. Family members or a court-appointed representative, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, as an example could be classified as not possessing decision making capacity. People who are not conscious can’t make decisions on independently, and other people have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Importance Of Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment recommended by the physician in charge
The risks and the benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated of refusing treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be recorded in the patient’s medical records however, they must communicated with the person receiving the treatment. In this way, he or is able to fully comprehend all the details of the scenario and will be able to get immediate answers to any questions that may arise.