Purpose Of Consent Form In Research – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. Medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide, based on known risks, how their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to be able to treat their patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition where a patient is provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information the patient must give the doctor their consent to treat prior to any form of care can be provided. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional cannot offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases patients lack the ability to comprehend their options in terms of treatment and the benefits and risks associated with each. In other cases, patients may not be able to communicate their decisions to the health workers. Under these circumstances patients are said not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. The family member, or court-appointed representative could then be able to take over informed consent.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, as an example are deemed not possessing decision making capacity. The patients who are unconscious cannot make decisions on their independently, and other people must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Purpose Of Consent Form In Research
There are certain elements that are generally included in informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment suggested by the physician in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are readily available, along with their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment at all
The items should not only be documented in a written document But they also need to communicated with the person receiving the treatment. This way, he can fully comprehend the details of the situation and can get direct answers to any questions that arise.