Psychology Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The medical procedures can be injurious, and patients must be able decide the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. Thus, before medical professionals are permitted to provide treatment to patients they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition where a patient is informed of the condition of their body and the recommended treatment by the physician in charge. After receiving this information the patient has to provide the physician with consent to treat before any form or treatment can be administered. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional cannot offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients may not have the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to effectively communicate their choices to health professionals. Under these circumstances, the patient is said not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. An individual from the family or court-appointed representative, in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance can be deemed to not possessing decision making capacity. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Psychology Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The recommended treatment is suggested by the physician who is acting
The risks and the benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are available, along with their risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with not accepting any treatment whatsoever
Not only should these details be documented in a written document They must also been discussed by the patient. This way, he will be able to comprehend the details of the situation and get straight answers to any concerns that might be arising.