Orthopedic Surgery Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their health. Medical treatments can be quite risky, therefore patients should be able to ultimately determine the risks that are known to be present, how their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals can provide treatment to patients they must be given what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful condition in which patients are given a complete and accurate description of the physical condition and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient is required to offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care is provided. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the capabilities to fully understand their options regarding treatment, and the risks and benefits that come with each one. In some instances patients might not be able communicate their decisions to the health care professionals. Under these circumstances the patient is said to not possess adequate decision making capacity. The family member, or court-appointed representative in this case, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not able to make decisions. Patients who are in the state of unconscious are unable to make decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties are required to obtain consent instead.
Items in an Orthopedic Surgery Consent Form
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and benefits associated with this method of treatment
There are alternative treatments available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be recorded in the patient’s medical records However, they should also been discussed by the patient. This way, he or will be able to comprehend the particulars of the case and get straight answers to any concerns that might arise.