References:
- Nursing Review Guide, 1st Edition, ISBN 978-621-02-2289-0, by Glenn Reyes Luansing
A consent is an agreement between parties that creates an obligation for participating bodies. In healthcare, an example is a contract outlining services being provided by the institution to the patient in exchange for the patient’s financial compensation. In a standard contract, three basic elements are required: (a) the object, the subject of the contract— treatment, admission, etc., (b) the considerations, the reason for producing a contract, and (c) the consent of the patient itself.
An informed consent, therefore, is a consent only provided once the patient has full knowledge of the possible benefits, risks, alternatives, costs, and other pertinent information as provided by the physician or individual performing treatment in a way that the individual understands. The provision of an informed consent must be voluntary (of the individual’s own will) and must be personal (of the individual’s own act i.e. handwriting/signature/thumb mark).
The validity of consent can be summarized with the following criteria (mn. VOTUM):
- Voluntary
- Opportunity to ask questions: the patient must not have any uncertainties.
- Treatment or surgery must be explained: full disclosure of the procedures must be given.
- Understood by patients: patients must be given an explanation in line with their level of understanding and their language.
- Matured both Physically (18+) and Mentally (Unaltered LOC)