Informed Consent Form Research Example – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Medical treatments can be quite injurious, and patients must be able to determine, based on known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to operate on patients, they have to obtain what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement under which a patient has been provided with detailed information about the condition of their body and the treatment recommended by the physician in charge. Once this information is received, the patient must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of care is delivered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not permitted to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases patients may not have the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options , as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other situations patients may not be able to effectively convey their preferences to health professionals. Under these circumstances patients are said not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. The family member, or court appointed representative in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for example – may be determined as lacking the ability to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly are unable to make decisions on their own, and outside parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Informed Consent Form Research Example
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment suggested by the acting physician
The risks and advantages associated with this treatment
There are alternative treatments available, as well as their benefits and risks
The benefits and risks associated with refusing treatment at all
Not only should these details be recorded in the patient’s medical records, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. In this way, he or she will fully understand what is happening and receive direct responses to any issues that may arise.