Understanding Informed Patient Consent
Informed consent is a process in which the healthcare provider educates the patient about the procedure, intervention, risks, and benefits. Following which, the patient makes the decision to undergo the procedure; hence, it is called consent. Because a written form is almost always the best way of keeping proof, a patient's consent is almost always taken in written form. It is a very important aspect of healthcare treatment as it ensures that the patient understands the treatment and agrees to it. This ensures transparent and well-cared-for treatment from healthcare providers.
So, what should a patient know here? The healthcare provider will first explain the procedure and what to expect. There will be a discussion on possible risks and complications to help make an informed decision. It has to be kept in mind that there is no procedure in the world that comes with absolutely no risk or complication. Although it is ensured by the healthcare provider to suggest a treatment with minimal risk,. Any other treatment options available, including doing nothing, are explained to the patient pertaining to the available resources. As a patient, you always have the right to choose. Although your healthcare professional will suggest the best possible procedure, you still have the right to agree or refuse or ask for an alternative treatment. The doctor or dentist will definitely have the upper hand knowledge on your diagnosis and treatment plan, but since it is your own body, you have the right over it. No treatment will ever proceed without the patient's consent. In the case of a minor or any disability wherein the patient lacks the credibility to decide, the immediate guardian is considered the competent person to sign the consent. Only in an emergency, when it is a matter of life or death, does the healthcare professional have the leverage to skip a written consent to save the patient's life.
Apart from any treatment, if your treatment intervention is used for research or educational purposes, the same information, including the details and your participation in the research, is highlighted. It is to be noted that identity and personal details are always confidential and are strictly maintained when your treatment is used for research or educational purposes. Yet, as a patient, you have the right to ask and consent to it. Moreover, any participation in clinical trials also always includes a detailed consent form for the patient. It is advised to always go through the details of your participation in a clinical trial.
A consent form will have the following elements:
- Information about the diagnosis and treatment plan
- Information on the treatment will be used for educational purposes (if applicable)
- Risks
- Benefits
- Success rate
- Alternatives (if any). If patient chooses an alternative, then detailed information on it
- Reasons why the patient is unable to consent (if the patient decides not to consent)
- Signature/thumb impression of the patient/guardian
Additional contents of a clinical trial informed consent form:
- The title of the study
- Basis of selection
- Purpose of the study
- Details of the procedure
- Assurance of Confidentiality
- Compensation(if any)
- Voluntary participation or withdrawal
- Rights as a participant
- Benefits and risks
As a patient, you have the right to ask questions, review, and have an open discussion with your doctor/dentist. You also have the right to take some time to rethink your decision before signing the consent, and even after signing the consent, change your mind before the procedure commences and ask for all the details of the procedure. Every individual should be well aware of their rights. Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of patient care. It ensures that patients or guardians are well-informed and make empowered decisions, thus fostering transparency and trust in the healthcare process.