Queensland Health Consent Forms – Every person should be able to make informed decisions about their medical care. Medical treatments can be injurious, and patients must be able, in the end, to decide according to the known risks, how their bodies will be treated. So, before medical professionals can operate on patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal requirement under which a patient is provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical condition and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received, the patient must offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form or treatment can be provided. Without the patient’s informed consent health care professional cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases the patients aren’t equipped with the capacity to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the benefits and risks associated with each one. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to convey their preferences to health workers. In these situations, the patient is said not to have adequate capacity to make decisions. A family member or court appointed representative can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions – anxiety or fear, as an example are deemed not possessing decision making capacity. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot take decisions on their own, and outside parties need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Queensland Health Consent Forms
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the acting physician
The risks and advantages associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are also available, along with their benefits and risks
The dangers and advantages with accepting no treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be recorded in the documentation However, they should also have a discussion with the patient. This way, he she will fully understand the particulars of the case and will receive immediate responses to any concerns that might be arising.
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