Simple Informed Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Medical procedures can be risky, therefore patients should be able decide the risks that are known to be present, how their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are allowed to provide treatment to patients they must receive the process of informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition under which a patient has been given a complete and accurate description of the condition of their body and the treatment suggested by the acting physician. Once this information is received, the patient must be able to give the physician their consent to treat before any form of care is delivered. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional is not permitted to offer treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients don’t have the skills to comprehend their options in terms of treatment and the benefits and risks associated with each. In other instances patients might not be able to communicate their decision to health workers. When this occurs it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. Family members or a court appointed representative will then be permitted to perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not having the capacity for decision-making. People who are not conscious can’t make decisions on independently, and other people have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Simple Informed Consent Form
There are certain elements that are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The recommended treatment is suggested by the physician in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, along with their benefits and risks
The risks and benefits associated with accepting no treatment whatsoever
The items should not only be documented, but they must also discuss the situation with patients. So, he can fully comprehend the particulars of the case and can get direct answers to any concerns that might arise.