![]() Documenting consentĬonsent is a process (not a signature) which may be provided orally or implied by body language.Īustralian law does not require consent in writing. We do this regularly and will take good care of you’. Brief verbal discussion of the procedure with the patient is always recommended if the situation allows.Įxample: when intubating a conscious patient for severe respiratory failure, it would be reasonable and sufficient to inform the patient: ‘We are going to give you an anaesthetic, take control of your breathing and look after you in the intensive care unit. chest drains insertion in an unconscious trauma patient). We often perform procedures on seriously ill or injured patients under these circumstances (e.g. Prevent the patient from suffering significant pain and distress In an emergency, where the patient is unable to give consent, a procedure may be carried out immediately if it is required to: The person responsible for a patient will often be the patient’s spouse or de facto, a parent, guardian, guardianship board or local authority. Outside of emergency situations, if a person is incapable of giving consent, the consent of the patient’s ‘person responsible’ will be required. Treating a competent patient who has declined treatment could constitute assault. Mental illness currently impairing decision makingĪn adult patient with capacity is entitled to decline a medical procedure. Intellectual impairment, dementia, or brain damage intoxication, reduced level of consciousness) Temporary factors such as the patient’s medical condition (e.g. Some patients will have the capacity to make some, but not all, decisions concerning their care.Ĭommon reasons a patient may lack capacity include: The patient must be informed in a way the patient can understandĬonsent must be specific to the procedure CapacityĬapacity to provide consent means the patient can comprehend and consider the information in order to reach a decision. The person must have the capacity to give consent This includes the benefits, possible adverse effects or complications, alternatives and the likely result if the procedure is not performed.įor a patient’s consent to be valid all of the following criteria must be met: Excluding medical emergencies, patients must be provided with adequate information about a procedure to enable them to make informed decisions. ![]() Obtaining consent for procedures is a legal and ethical requirement and an accepted part of good medical practice.
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