Supervisor Consent Form – Every person should be able to make informed decisions about their health. Treatments for medical conditions can be sensitive, so patients must be able, in the end, to decide in light of known risks of their body, how it will be treated. So, before medical professionals are allowed to administer treatments to patients, they must obtain the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent constitutes a lawful requirement in which patients are provided with specific information regarding his or her physical condition and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. After receiving this information, the patient must offer the physician consent to treat prior to any form of care can be given. Without informed consent from the patient health care professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances the patients aren’t equipped with the skills to comprehend their options regarding treatment, and the risks/benefits associated with each. In some instances, patients may not be able to effectively communicate their decisions to the health professionals. In such situations it is believed that the patient not to possess the proper capacity to make decisions. A family member or court-appointed representative can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance could be classified as lacking the ability to make decisions. Patients who are in the state of unconscious cannot take decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Supervisor Consent Form
Certain elements are universally included in informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The treatment suggested by the doctor in charge
The benefits and risks associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are readily available, as well as their risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be recorded in the patient’s medical records however, they must discuss the situation with patients. This way, he or can fully comprehend all the details of the scenario and can get direct answers to any issues that may be arising.