Informed Consent
Informed consent is a process that involves obtaining permission or agreement from an individual or their legal representative after providing them with information regarding the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of a particular procedure, treatment, or study. The goal of informed consent is to ensure that individuals are fully aware of what they are consenting to and that they have the capacity to make an informed decision. In healthcare, informed consent is typically obtained before a medical procedure or treatment.
The informed consent process usually involves providing the individual with a document that explains the purpose of the procedure or treatment, the risks and benefits associated with it, and any alternatives that are available. It is recommended that the individual or their legal representative provide written confirmation of their consent. It is important to note that informed consent is a continuous process, and individuals have the right to withdraw their consent at any time. Additionally, informed consent is not considered valid if it is obtained through coercion, deception, or if the individual does not have the capacity to understand the information provided. If adequate information is not provided, the legal consequences could potentially involve litigation and/or professional licensure actions, for the provider and the organization where the treatment occurred. Equally important are ethical considerations.
Healthcare providers have an ethical responsibility to educate the patient through meaningful dialogue for the patient to make rational, reasonable, and autonomous choices regarding their care (Canadian Nurses Protective Society, 2018; College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, 2022; Farmer & Lundy, 2017).
The process of informed consent should involve an ongoing and dynamic exchange of information between the patient and their nurse practitioner. Furthermore, the NP can foster proactive care decisions by providing information, facilitating discussion, and working to resolve situations where the patient refuses or withdraws consent.
