Standard Informed Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their medical care. Medical treatments can be quite sensitive, so patients must be able to decide according to the known risks that their bodies should be treated. Therefore, before medical workers can provide treatment to patients they must be given the so-called informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition under which a patient has been provided with specific information regarding the physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician in charge. Once this information is received patients must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment can be provided. Without informed consent from the patient an health care professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients lack the capacity to comprehend the options for treatment and the risks/benefits of each. In other cases patients might not be able explain their decisions to health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. The family member, or court-appointed representative, can perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for example – may be determined as not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on own, and outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Standard Informed Consent Form
Certain elements are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the physician who is acting
The benefits and risks associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are offered, as are their benefits and risks
The benefits and risks associated with refusing any treatment at all
Not only must these items be documented in a written document However, they should also be discussed with the patient. This way, he will be able to comprehend the particulars of the case and can get direct answers to any issues that may have arisen.
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