Informed Consent

Informed Consent

​What is it?

Informed consent in healthcare:

It is a communication process between the physician and the patient that often leads to agreement or permission for care, treatment, or services. Every patient has the right to get information and asks questions before any procedures and treatments.

How is it working?

Informed consent is when a healthcare provider, like a doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional, explains a medical treatment, therapy, or a surgical procedure to a patient before he/she agrees to it. This type of communication lets the patient ask questions and accept or refuse to take the treatment, therapy, or medical procedures.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

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The ethical significance of informed consent is based on the opportunity that the process presents for the patient to exert autonomy.

In a healthcare setting, the process of informed consent includes:

• The patient's ability to make a decision

• Explanation of information needed for the patient to make the decision.

• The understanding of the medical information.

• The voluntary patient's decision to get treatment.

Multiple Select

What types of procedures do need informed consent?

• most surgeries

• blood transfusions

• anesthesia

• some advanced medical tests, like a biopsy

• most vaccinations

What should it include?

An informed consent agreement should include the following information:

*Diagnosis of the patient's condition.

*Name and purpose of treatment.

*Benefits, risks, and alternative procedures.

*Benefits and risks of each alternative.

With this information, the patient can make an educated choice about the procedures he/she receives.

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Why does patient need to sign a consent form?

• The patient received all the relevant information about his/her procedure from your healthcare provider.

• The patient does not understand this information.

• The patient used this information to determine whether or not he/she wants the procedure.

• The patient agrees or consents to get some or all of the treatment options.

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Can others sign a consent form on the patient's behalf?

• The patient isn't of legal age.

• The patient wants someone else to make the decisions.

• The patient can’t give consent.

When informed consent is not required?

• In an emergency, the physician may look for the patient's closest blood relatives for consent.

• If the patient's relatives are not available, or if the patient is in a life-threatening situation, a healthcare provider can perform the necessary life-saving procedures without consent.

Any questions?

Thank you

D.C.E. Cristian Cruz Ochoa.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/informed-consent#necessary-information