Prudential Spousal Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. The medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able to determine in light of known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to administer treatments to patients, they have to obtain what is known as informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition where a patient is given a complete and accurate description of the condition of their body and the treatment recommended by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information, the patient must offer the physician consent to treat before any form of treatment can be delivered. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients lack the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to communicate their decision to health professionals. If this happens the patient is considered not to possess the proper capacity for decision-making. Family members or a court-appointed representative, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear for instance they could be judged as lacking the ability to make decisions. The patients who are unconscious cannot make decisions on alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Prudential Spousal Consent Form
Certain elements are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The procedure recommended by the medical professional in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are readily available, as well as their benefits and risks
The potential risks and rewards with refusing any treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be recorded in the patient’s medical records But they also need to have a discussion with the patient. This way, he can fully comprehend the particulars of the case and get straight answers to any queries that might have arisen.