Sample Informed Consent Form Psychology – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions about their medical care. Medical treatments can be quite demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide the risks that are known to be present that their bodies should be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are permitted to provide treatment to patients they must be given what is known as informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal requirement under which a patient is informed of the condition of their body and the recommended treatment by the acting physician. Once this information is received the patient must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment can be offered. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some cases, patients do not possess the capabilities to fully understand the options for treatment and the risks/benefits associated with each. In other situations patients might not be able communicate their decision to health care professionals. Under these circumstances, the patient is said not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative can perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for example are deemed not able to make decisions. People who are not conscious cannot make decisions on their alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Sample Informed Consent Form Psychology
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this procedure
Alternative treatments are readily offered, as are their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits that come with refusing treatment at all
Not only must these items be recorded in the patient’s medical records But they also need to been discussed by the patient. This way, he can be fully aware of the specifics of the situation and receive direct responses to any questions that may be arising.