Media Release Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make educated decisions about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be risky, therefore patients should be able decide the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they must be given the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of the physical condition and the recommended treatment by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. Once this information is received the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care can be delivered. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional cannot provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients lack the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options and the risks/benefits of each. In some instances patients might not be able to effectively communicate their decision to health care professionals. When this occurs it is believed that the patient to lack the necessary decision making capacity. A family member or court appointed representative then, is allowed to take over informed consent.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear, for instance – may be determined as not possessing decision making capacity. The ones who are asleep clearly can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Media Release Consent Form
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment suggested by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are also available, as well as their benefits and risks
The potential risks and rewards with accepting no treatment at all
These details must not only be detailed in documentation, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he or can be fully aware of the particulars of the case and get straight answers to any issues that may have arisen.