Patient Consent Form For Seasonal Influenza Vaccine – Every person should be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be invasive, so patients should be able to decide, based on known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they need to receive what is known as informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition that requires that a patient be given a complete and accurate description of his or her physical health and the recommended treatment by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient has to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment is offered. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each one. In other cases, patients may not be able explain their decisions to health professionals. When this occurs patients are said to lack the appropriate capacity for decision-making. Family members or a court-appointed representative can take over informed consent.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance are deemed not able to make decisions. Patients who are in the state of unconscious can’t make decisions on alone, and external parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Patient Consent Form For Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The procedure recommended by the acting physician
The risks and advantages associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits associated of refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be documented however, they must have a discussion with the patient. So, he will be able to comprehend the specifics of the situation and get straight answers to any questions that may arise.