Sedation Consent Form – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. The medical procedures can be demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide from the facts about risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals can treat patients, they must be given what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement where a patient is informed of his or her physical state and the treatment suggested by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received the patient is required to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment can be delivered. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional is not permitted to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients may not have the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each. In other circumstances patients may not be able to effectively explain their decisions to health professionals. When this occurs the patient is said to lack the appropriate capacity for decision-making. Family members or a court-appointed representative, in this case, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, as an example are deemed lacking the ability to make decisions. People who are not conscious cannot take decisions on their own, and outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Sedation Consent Form
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the physician who is acting
The risks and advantages associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with refusing treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be recorded in the patient’s medical records However, they should also discuss the situation with patients. This way, he or is able to fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and will receive immediate responses to any issues that may have arisen.