Sterilization Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed choices about their medical care. Medical treatments can be quite invasive, so patients should be able decide in light of known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are allowed to treat patients, they must receive the process of informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement under which a patient has been provided with specific information regarding his or her physical state and the recommended treatment by the physician in charge. After receiving this information patients must be able to give the physician their consent to treat prior to any form of care is administered. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not permitted to offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances, patients do not possess the capabilities to fully understand the options for treatment and the benefits and risks associated with each. In other situations patients might not be able to communicate their decision to health professionals. If this happens it is believed that the patient to not possess adequate decision making capacity. Family members or a court-appointed representative in this case, can give informed consent in lieu of the patient.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not able to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly cannot make decisions on their independently, and other people have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Sterilization Consent Form
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment recommended by the doctor in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this treatment
There are alternative treatments available, along with their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with refusing any treatment at all
Not only must these items be recorded in the patient’s medical records They must also discuss the situation with patients. In this way, he or can be fully aware of the specifics of the situation and will receive immediate responses to any queries that might arise.