Orthodontic Treatment Consent Form – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their medical care. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able to decide according to the known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. So, before medical professionals are permitted to administer treatments to patients, they must receive the process of informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement in which patients are informed of his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. After receiving this information patients must offer the physician consent to treat before any form of care is provided. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not permitted to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients may not have the capacity to comprehend their options in terms of treatment and the risks/benefits associated with each. In other instances patients may not be able to effectively communicate their decision to health care professionals. In these situations the patient is considered to lack the appropriate capacity for decision-making. An individual from the family or court appointed representative in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for example can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot take decisions on their alone, and external parties are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Orthodontic Treatment Consent Form
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The recommended treatment is suggested by the medical professional in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages with refusing any treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be detailed in documentation however, they must have a discussion with the patient. So, he can be fully aware of the specifics of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any questions that arise.