Pharmacy Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed choices about their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able to ultimately determine from the facts about risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are allowed to administer treatments to patients, they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the condition that requires that a patient be provided with a full and complete description of the condition of their body and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received, the patient must give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of care can be administered. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients may not have the ability to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the benefits and risks associated with each one. In some instances, patients may not be able to communicate their choices to health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper decision making capacity. The family member, or court-appointed representative will then be permitted to take over informed consent.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance could be classified as not able to make decisions. Patients who are in the state of unconscious cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Pharmacy Consent Form
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The treatment suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and advantages associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits associated with refusing any treatment at all
Not only should these details be detailed in documentation, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. In this way, he or she will fully understand the particulars of the case and will be able to get immediate answers to any issues that may arise.