Written Consent Form Template – Everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their health. Medical procedures can be injurious, and patients must be able to ultimately determine according to the known risks, how their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are permitted to be able to treat their patients, they must be given the process of informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement in which patients are provided with a full and complete description of the physical condition and the treatment suggested by the treating physician. Once this information is received patients must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat before any form of care can be administered. Without informed consent from the patient any health professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances the patients aren’t equipped with the ability to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each one. In other instances patients might not be able to communicate their decision to health professionals. In such situations patients are said to lack the necessary capacity to make decisions. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative then, is allowed to provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance could be classified as not possessing decision making capacity. Patients who are in the state of unconscious can’t make decisions on independently, and other people require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Written Consent Form Template
Certain elements are common to all consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, as well as their benefits and risks
The dangers and advantages with refusing any treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be documented They must also be discussed with the patient. This way, he will be able to comprehend all the details of the scenario and receive direct responses to any concerns that might be arising.