Key Points:
• Informed Decision-Making:
Ensure patients receive all necessary information about the proposed treatment, including benefits, risks, alternatives, and potential consequences of doing nothing.
• Voluntary Agreement:
Consent must be given freely, without pressure or coercion. Patients should feel empowered to make their own choices.
• Clear Communication:
Use plain language when explaining procedures. Check that the patient understands by asking them to repeat key information in their own words.
• Capacity to Consent:
Always assess whether the patient has the mental capacity to understand, retain, and weigh the information to make an informed decision.
• Age and Legal Requirements:
Be aware of legal age requirements for consent and any specific rules regarding children or vulnerable adults.
• Written and Verbal Consent:
Obtain written consent for significant procedures, and always document verbal consent in the patient’s records, including what was discussed.
• Ongoing Process:
Consent is not a one-time event. Keep patients updated and check their consent remains valid if treatment plans change.
By obtaining valid consent, we respect our patients’ autonomy, protect their rights, and maintain trust in our professional care.
