Radiofrequency Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions about their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able decide, based on known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are allowed to provide treatment to patients they must obtain the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement under which a patient is provided with detailed information about his or her physical health and the recommended treatment by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information the patient must provide the physician with consent to treat before any form of treatment can be delivered. Without the patient’s informed consent an health care professional is not permitted to offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients may not have the capabilities to fully understand their options in terms of treatment and the risks/benefits associated with each. In other instances patients might not be able to communicate their choices to health care professionals. Under these circumstances the patient is said to lack the appropriate capacity to make decisions. A family member or court-appointed representative can perform informed consent instead.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for instance they could be judged as not having the capacity to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Radiofrequency Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment suggested by the acting physician
The risks and benefits that come with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments that are available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The potential risks and rewards with refusing any treatment at all
Not only should these details be recorded in the documentation however, they must be discussed with the patient. This way, he or she will fully understand all the details of the scenario and can get direct answers to any questions that arise.