Informed consent
Informed consent is when a patient gives permission for a treatment or procedure with knowledge of all possible consequences. In the case of Canterbury vs. Spencer, Canterbury was given all of the information about the procedure. In this particular case it seems that even though the patient did not have all the information, there really was not any type of unwanted effects after the surgery.
The court ruled in favor of the doctor, however if this case is judged only on issues of informed consent, there may be a different verdict. “Informed consent which generally contains the elements of disclosure, understanding, voluntariness, competence and permission” (Edge & Groves, 2005) each of these should be addressed when considering if the requirements of informed consent were met.
When a patient is going to have a procedure or receive treatment it is important that they are told all the facts. First it should be told exactly what the procedure or treatments will include. The intended out comes should be shared a long with the percentages of how well the procedure or treatments have worked in the past on other patients. Most importantly what could go wrong or what side effects have been known to occur should be disclosed. Even if there is a fear that this knowledge will make the patient refuse the treatment.
Once a procedure or treatment is clearly and fully explained to the patient there needs to be proof that the patient understands all the information given to them. Many cases a patient may not understand. Counseling before major procedures is a good idea. Some patients may consult with their families or loved ones. If it is not an emergency situation, maybe some time should be given to let the information sink in, and proper decisions be made.
When a patient is making a decision it should be based on the facts only. It is not the place of medical professional to try coercing the patient into the decision favored by the medical community. While it is common for
The court ruled in favor of the doctor, however if this case is judged only on issues of informed consent, there may be a different verdict. “Informed consent which generally contains the elements of disclosure, understanding, voluntariness, competence and permission” (Edge & Groves, 2005) each of these should be addressed when considering if the requirements of informed consent were met.
When a patient is going to have a procedure or receive treatment it is important that they are told all the facts. First it should be told exactly what the procedure or treatments will include. The intended out comes should be shared a long with the percentages of how well the procedure or treatments have worked in the past on other patients. Most importantly what could go wrong or what side effects have been known to occur should be disclosed. Even if there is a fear that this knowledge will make the patient refuse the treatment.
Once a procedure or treatment is clearly and fully explained to the patient there needs to be proof that the patient understands all the information given to them. Many cases a patient may not understand. Counseling before major procedures is a good idea. Some patients may consult with their families or loved ones. If it is not an emergency situation, maybe some time should be given to let the information sink in, and proper decisions be made.
When a patient is making a decision it should be based on the facts only. It is not the place of medical professional to try coercing the patient into the decision favored by the medical community. While it is common for