ELEMENTS OF INFORMED CONSENT
PREREQUISITE
1. Patient competence.
INFORMATION
2. Disclosure of information (by the physician).
3. An understanding of the information (by the patient).
CONSENT
4 Voluntary in nature.
5. Formal authorization given.
Figure 1-6. Five elements of informed consent.
INFORMED CONSENT, A CLOSER LOOK
A competent patient:
Can decide for him/herself.
Is of legal age or emancipated.
Can reason.
Can communicate wishes.
Understands the consequences of decisions.
Relevant information is disclosed and understood.
Consent is voluntary; patient is not coerced by:
Health care providers.
Family.
Hospital environment.
Formal authorization is given.
Figure 1-7. Elements of informed consent, further specified.
MD0067
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